Skip to main content
  • Accessibility
  • Headlines
  • Coronavirus-News
  • Get-Hooked
  • Technology
  • Education
  • Employment
  • Parasports
  • Ask Bhavna
  • NHBrandView
  • Independent Living
  • Lifestyle
  • NH Videos
×
Newz Hook – Changing Attitudes towards Disability Logo
  • Stories
  • Videos
  • Inclusive
  • NH Voice
  • Login
COVID-19 Notification by Government in Accessible Format

Accessibility Tools

Text Size:

Contrast Scheme:

  • C
  • C

Reset

  • Home
  • Coronavirus-news
  • Kerala’s ‘Kaivalya’ project to help disabled people start business unlikely to take off soon

Kerala’s ‘Kaivalya’ project to help disabled people start business unlikely to take off soon

disability in trichy
Coronavirus-news June 12, 2020
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)

‘Kaivalya’ project initiated by Kerala government aims to provide funds to disabled people to start their own businesses. Over 7000 applications have been given, but only a handful have received the benefits. Now, officials are stating that the state is undergoing financial crunch due to lockdown. Hence, funds for the project cannot be relieved any time soon. Applicants for ‘Kaivalya’ are asking for answers from the state government.

The government of Kerala had recently received a lot of praise for their exceptional and unique way of battling COVID-19 due to which the curve was flattened in the state. Similarly, the Social Justice Department of the state that works for welfare of disabled people have also launched many projects. But the lack of implementing ‘Kaivalya’ project has made the disabled community disappointed. The project under which an amount will be provided to disabled beneficiaries to start their own business or ventures, ‘Kaivalya’ never took off. With the state government under huge financial crisis, authorities are now pointing out that ‘Kaivalya’ cannot be initiated any time soon.

A project that never fully took off

Soon after the state ruling CPI(M) government came into power was when ‘Kaivalya’ project was introduced. The main objective was to enable disabled people to be self-reliant by starting their own businesses. An amount would be provided to them so that they can start businesses to earn their own living. It has been over three years since it was introduced, but ‘Kaivalya’ never took off. Over 7000 people applied for it. But only very few received it.

Babu, a wheelchair user from Kannur says, “I applied for ‘Kaivalya’ in the year 2017. Till now, I have not received it and I still do not know the reason why they have blocked my application. Recently when I enquired they said that the scheme is provided according to seniority. I’am 50 years old. A 30 year old and another person younger than me has already received it from the same district. So on what basis does seniority count?”, he asks. Babu further adds, “I have been knocking doors of officials, especially of the employment exchange. But they do not give any favorable answers”.

Currently, 7065 applications have been blocked. Only 1117 people have got funds to go ahead with the project. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, officials have stated that they are helpless and cannot relieve any funds due to the state government’s financial crunch.

The need for implementation of ‘Kaivalya’ project

The government stated that over Rs 2.10 crore has been set aside for ‘Kaivalya’ in the year 2019-20.

Since most of the disabled people rely on their families for financial aid, the lockdown has added to pressure of families too as many have lost their jobs. Those like Babu, who are unable to protest and be at offices physically are going through a tougher time.

Earlier this week Rajeev Palluruthy, Secretary, All Kerala Wheelchair Rights Federation received a letter from the state government saying that due to lack of funds, ‘Kaivalya’ cannot take off soon.

“Now they have the Coronavirus crisis to blame it on. But beneficiaries of ‘Kaivalya’ never got the funds allotted even before that. It has been over two years since many disabled people are struggling to get their rights. Kerala’s social justice department must take care of this. Only a handful of people in Pathanamthitta and Idukki have received the benefits”, says Rajeev.

He also points out that there are many such projects for people with disabilities that never took off in the state. “It is clear that the government had funds after last budget. Why are needs and requirements of disabled people not given any attention?”, asks Rajeev.

Watch in Sign Language

Also Read:

  • Tamil Nadu disability rights organizations to protest for grants post-lockdown

Support us to make NewzHook Sustainable – Make a Contribution Today

We need your continued support to enable us work towards Changing Attitudes towards Disability. Help us in our attempt to share the voices of people with disabilities that enable them to participate in the society on an equal footing!

Contribute to Newz Hook

NH Videos

Healing pain through art - Dr. Anubha Mahajan, Founder Chronic Pain India

Contribue to Newz Hook |Disability news. Support us to make NewzHook Sustainable – Make a Contribution Today.

Newsletter

 Subscribe to our Newsletter

Want to feature disability stories or share disability news with the disabled community? Write to:

editor@newzhook.com

Newz Hook - Accessible News

Download App Now!

Videos

View More

Get-hooked

#ChampionsWithCP – Rohit Jain believes he is different, not disabled

Get-hooked

Understanding Bipolar Disorder

Get-hooked

My journey with ‘Pehel’, My take by Dr Kinjal Chandra

Get-hooked

Why the world adores Paavani & Clinton’s love story

Newz Hook Logo

About Newz Hook

Newz Hook | Disability News - media site focusing on Disability Stories and Changing Attitudes towards Disability globally. We highlight disability news, offer inclusive solutions and create accessible collaborations. Our focus is to have Inclusion Champions from across the globe who will share disability stories and news.
Lets come together to change attitudes towards disability!

Newz Hook is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Follow us on:

Related Links

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Partner with Newz Hook
  • Embed Newz Hook Timeline
  • Affiliate disclosure
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Contribute to Newz Hook

Our Awards

Zero Project Award Winner 2018
Back To Top
© 2019 All Right Reserved. Inclusive News India Private Limited.

Ask Bhavna

All fields are mandatory unless specified as optional.