KOZHIKODE: Technical issues and red-tapism by officials are hindering projects that would be of help to single mothers and daughters living at the mercy of others, according to district panchayat president Babu Parassery. He hinted at a situation, where even a Perumbavoor incident could be repeated in any other town, where girls are not safe with only single mothers guarding them fearing impending danger.
“There are many village extension officers who are not ready to implement projects for single mothers, even after being sanctioned by people’s representatives. There are many projects that allow grants to the tune of Rs 3 lakh to needy families. Priority for these grants should be given on humanitarian consideration,”
Mr Parassery said. He added that the projects should be made more flexible so as to be allocated according to the demands of a situation. Kerala Women’s Commission chairperson K.C. Rosakkutty lamented that not even a single person or NGO in the state was ready to carry out a study into the lives of single mothers, who were struggling to guard their children.
“Because there were no takers for the project, it was presented before the National Women’s Commission, which in turn directed the state body to carry it out on its own”, she added.
“Single mothers, living without a shelter, are one of the most vulnerable groups in our society. Some of them are widows, some have children born out of wedlock and some others have been abandoned by their husbands. In January, a project was advertised, where individuals or NGOs could study their plight.
Unfortunately no one came forward to carry out the study,” Ms Rosakkutty said.
Two months ago, Ms Rosakkutty and project officer Premna Shankar took the proposal to the National Women’s Commission which appreciated the proposal and entrusted it to the state body. “Since there are no takers for the project, we are planning to seek the help of Kudumbasree , Kerala University as well as the National University of Advanced Legal Studies,” said Ms Rosakkutty.
