The government on May 13 decided on the overall framework of a scheme to help Tokyo Electric Power Co. compensate people who have suffered losses from the accidents at its Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant.

Compensation will be paid to those who were evacuated from their homes as well as to farmers, fishermen and others who have suffered financial losses due to the accidents.

The government plans to submit related bills to the Diet in an extraordinary session to be convened as late as in August. In the meantime, Tepco should strive to make tentative payments to evacuees, farmers and fishermen as soon as it can to alleviate their current suffering from the loss of income.