With first phase ready, Kerala govt on track to build homes for 2.5 M migrants
The state of Kerala is home to more than 2.5 million migrants, and a fake audio clip threatening immigrants from the northern and eastern parts of India recently caused much panic. Dispelling such rumours by proving its commitment to the wellbeing of the migrant population, a few days ago, the Kerala government announced the completion of its first venture under the 'Apna Ghar Project'. Developed in collaboration with a non-profit public sector organisation, 'Bhavanam Foundation', it will provide safe and economical accommodation to migrant employees and workers on a rental basis.
The recently concluded first venture is a four-floor-building in Kanjikode, Palakkad district, with 64 rooms. The building has three blocks, 96 bathrooms, eight dining halls, 32 kitchens, and several areas for drying clothes. With each room accommodating 10 (with bunker beds), it is estimated that 640 workers can call this building complex home.
Chief Operating Officer of Bhavanam Foundation, GL Muraleedharan, in a chat with The News Minute, said,
"There is a tendency to inflict fear among the migrant workers in the state. This is a scheme from the government to drive away such fears and threats among the migrant workers and make them feel at home. We have also taken security measures to ensure safety in the hostel. Security guards will be employed soon in the hostel. We will have a separate agency engaged for maintaining cleanliness in the hostel. The workers are also provided with resting areas on each floor for relaxing after a day’s long hard work."
With an objective to make this type of accommodation accessible and affordable to all workers, the government and the foundation are planning to affix the living cost between Rs 750 and Rs 1,000 a month.
Talking about supporting immigrant workers, Labour Commissioner K Biju told The Times of India,
"The state's economy is thriving on the hard work of these labourers from other states. The government feels that they have to be treated well."
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