Kerala govt hopeful of getting Centre's approval for Bill

Kerala government today expressed hope that it would be able to get Presidential assent to the 'Plachimada Coca-Cola Victims Relief and Compensation Claims Special Tribunal Bill-2011, passed by the state Assembly.

Replying to a submission by A K Balan (CPI-M) on the "delay" in getting assent to the bill, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said the state was committed to get the approval as the bill was passed unanimously.

'Centre has asked for certain clarifications three times and state had already replied'. The matter is at the final stage and our effort is to get assent to the Bill', Chandy said.

The bill proposed to establish a Tribunal to try all disputes for compensation and secure it from Coco-Cola company.

A high level committee appointed by the state government to report the loss caused to the people had estimated an amount of Rs 216.25 crore as compensation due from the firm. The Bill was passed based on the recommendations of the high level committee.

Coca-Cola closed down its unit at Plachimada in Palakkad district in March 2004, following agitation by locals complaining of environment pollution and over exploitation of ground water by the company.