Government fails Kubumbasree workers, 200 Janakeeya hotels closed

For failing to pay electricity dues, the hotels run by Kudumbasree in the state were shut down. Many made news of this and the corporation wriggled out of controversy with banal statements of neglect. The government is also in no mood to pay subsidies for budget hotels. The crippled economy is pushed to the forefront as an excuse for the government's ineptness. Whatever it may be, with no subsidies, it's curtains for all these hotels. More than 1100 Kudumbasree budget hotels worked in the state, but now near to 200 have been shut.

These are times when a cup of tea costs around 10 Rupees while in Kudumbsree hotels, afternoon meals were sold at Rs 20. The government started the scheme for the ordinary among the ordinary class of society. It was a gem of a move that helped many people suffice their appetite for a mere budget—helpful and rare considering the times. However, the government is plunging further into the tangles of a debt-stricken economy. The local self-government department that takes control of the Kudumbasree activities is keeping an eye away and is lethargic to move ahead with revitalizing plans for budget hotels.

“Hunger-free Kerala sounded good among the legions of government. When the move was made, the appreciation came in torrents. and now, the same government is halting the subsidy ending a noble deed, but alas, the government has other things to do than saving the appetite of a few impoverished.

Just take the case of two states. The Kerala government allotted Rs 60 crore for the working of Jankeeya hotel run by Kudumbasree workers. While the Chennai corporation alone has allotted Rs 450 core for budget hotels. Late Jayalalithaa started the amma hotel which is continuing its service even while the baton of governance was passed to Jayalaitha's rival DMK. Such is the coherence that the initiative had with the people of Tamil Nadu.

With the rising inflation, the electricity and water charges have piled up in arrears. Hundreds of workers who depend on a living with this meager pay are now in the crosshairs over the government's inaction. The hotels were a solace for many normal people hassling with work through cities. Maybe the elections can be won with late monologues of religion and hate but it takes some real effort to be one among the people. It is too a menial task to ignore.