Kochi: Steps have been taken to provide compensation to endosulfan victims as recommended by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), the state government has informed the high court. The government’s submission was in response to a November 28, 2012, directive of the high court. The state said in an affidavit that it was not against implementing all the recommendations of the NHRC on the compensation issue. The government’s priority has been the health and security of the people, which led to the decision to ban endosulfan, N Nandakumar, secretary of health and family welfare department, said in the affidavit. Petitions pending before the high court have been demanding—among others—compensation and rehabilitation package for victims, setting up of tribunals to decide on compensation cases and the proper implementation of endosulfan ban. NHRC had recommended a compensation of Rs 5 lakh each for the dependents of victims who had died as well as for those who has been bedridden due to exposure to endosulfan. Additionally, the NHRC had also recommended a compensation of Rs 3 lakh each to those handicapped by the lethal insecticide. Other measures suggested were conducting surveys to identify affected persons, extending relief measures to include maximum number of victims, and medical and financial aid to the victims. State government had sought Rs 250 crore from the Centre to implement NHRC’s recommendations, as well as another Rs 235.33 crore to implement its own measures. However, the Centre rejected Kerala’s request, saying funds could not be granted to compensate for a tragedy caused by a pesticide manufactured by a state-owned company. The Centre asked the state to raise funds.