Corporate Social Responsibility counter to open defecation in Kozhikode

KOZHIKODE: Private institutions will help the Open Defecation Free (ODF) drive of the Kozhikode District administration to build toilets in remote areas because the allotted amount would not be sufficient. In a meeting with the authorities, private institutions like Matha Amritanandamayi Math, Malabar Gold, Chemmannur Jewellers, Faizal Shabana Foundation and VKC group have extended their support to bear the additional cost incurred - as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility - in the toilet construction beyond Rs 15,400 given by the civic body and Suchitwa Mission.

Nearly 500 beneficiaries, a majority from tribal areas, would get the benefit. Meanwhile the ODF drive, which was hit by a fund crunch, is expected to intensify operations after the Panchayats were directed to take the full amount allotted for the toilets including Suchitwa Mission’s share because the fund is yet to be released by the Centre.

“Since the panchayats have already earmarked the full amount in their plan fund, they can use that fund for the construction. The Mission’s share will be given later to the Panchayats once the centre releases it,” said District Suchitwa Mission Coordinator K.P Velayudhan. The Expert technical committee at the district-level and committees at Panchayat and ward levels are also formed for the smooth implementation of the ODF drive.

At present, out of the 70- grama panchayats in Kozhikode, only three have been declared as ODF Panchayats. No urban bodies have achieved the feat so far. The Suchitwa Mission and District administration is targeting to achieve the target by October 2, although the original deadline is November 1. Urban local bodies have also been asked to meet the target on the same day, although their deadline is March, 2017.