Government steps in after Kerala Kaumudi report, announces Rs 15 lakh house for Sachu

THRISSUR: The Kerala government has extended support to a mother who struggled with financial hardship even as her son achieved success at the State School Arts Festival. Minister for General Education V. Sivankutty has announced that the Education Department will construct a house worth Rs 15 lakh for the family.

The decision follows a report published by Kerala Kaumudi on Friday highlighting the hardships faced by Bindu, the mother of Plus One student Sachu Satheesh of GHSS Kamballur in Kasaragod. Bindu works as a daily wage labourer till late at night to support her son, who won accolades at the arts festival. The minister intervened after reading the report.

After the death of her husband, Bindu raised her son through daily wage work and employment guarantee jobs. She also took loans to help him learn dance. Owning a house had long been her dream. At the State School Arts Festival, Sachu secured A grades in Bharatanatyam and Keralanadanam in the higher secondary boys’ category.

Following the report, the minister invited Sachu and his mother to the Ramanilayam Guest House in Thrissur. Sachu’s school teacher Baiju accompanied them. The minister handed over the application submitted by the family to Director of General Education N.S.K. Umesh.

MLA entrusted with responsibility
The minister has entrusted Thrikkaripur MLA M. Rajagopalan with resolving a land-related dispute concerning property in the name of Sachu’s father, P.R. Satheesh, who died of a heart attack six months ago. The MLA has also been asked to oversee the construction of the house.

The government had earlier announced a scheme to build houses worth ₹15 lakh for 50 financially backward students who won gold medals at this year’s State School Sports Meet. One of these houses has now been allocated to Sachu.

“I made the decision as soon as the Kerala Kaumudi report came to my attention. Steps will be taken quickly,” Minister Sivankutty said.