KOCHI: The Urban Poverty Alleviation Department of the city corporation which proposed kiosks for Kudumbashree workers to market their products has not yet implemented it.
The plan was to set up 131 kiosks in 74 divisions at a cost of Rs 76, 000 per unit. Though the project has already been approved by the council, the Town Planning department is not permitting the setting up of kiosks.
“Even after the tendering was completed and the work order was placed, the civic authorities are not permitting us to erect the structures. We have already built nearly six mobile kiosks and are waiting for the permission,” said a corporation contractor. The project aims at supporting the Kudumbashree workers to have a permanent facility to market their products including food items.
Meanwhile, Town Planning Committee chairman K.J Sohan told DC that setting up of kiosks at busy junctions could not be allowed as it would hit free pedestrian movement and traffic flow.
“Several councillors have recommended applications of Kudumbashree workers to set up kiosks at busy junctions and roadsides. But, permitting the structures in various parts of the city will cause problems to the civic body in future. The 50 modern hi-tech mobile wayside eateries allotted to selected beneficiaries have either been shut down or sold by them,” he said.
