Wayanad District Collector DR Meghasree informed the Kerala State Human Rights Commission (KSHRC) that the contributions made by various individuals and organizations to the Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund (CMDRF) for the Mundakkai landslide victims were used exclusively for rehabilitation activities and could not be distributed directly to the victims.
This follows from the report submitted by the Collector in response to a complaint about the payment of funds collected for victims to the rightful beneficiaries. KSHRC judicial member K. Baijunath sought the report.
The report said that the preparation of the list of beneficiaries for the rehabilitation of the Mundakkai landslide victims is in the final stage and that offers from individuals and organizations will be utilized for rehabilitation purposes.
The District Collector said that distributing the amount directly to the victims would be tantamount to absolving the authorities of their responsibility. The government’s duty would be fulfilled only when the victims are rehabilitated. The government remains in constant contact with those who have offered support, she added.
Ms. Meghasree informed the KSHRC that the rehabilitation activities of Mundakkai were not affected by the election process. The government is paying rent for the victims, who live in rented houses, and land is being acquired to build a township aimed at housing the victims under one roof, the Collector said.
After recording satisfaction with the report, the commission disposed of the case.
Published – 16 Jan 2026 20:10 IST
