Migrant kids to be part of ‘Balasabhas’ in Kerala

trivandrum — Children of migrant labourers, who come to Kerala in search of jobs, will soon be part of ‘Balasabhas’ under state-run women self-help group Kudumbashree.

‘Balasabhas’ are gatherings of children to empower them collectively and ensure their participation in the democratic space.

Kudumbashree has inducted 40 such children in the newly set up ‘Balasabha’ at Binanipuram in Kodungalloor panchayat of Ernakulam district, as part of efforts to empower migrant children.

Kudumbashree Executive Director S Harikishore IAS said children of migrants working in construction and other sectors in the locality were included in the group.

“The objective of the initiative is to improve the academic and extra curricular skills of migrant children and improve their personality capabilities,” he said.

Children, belonging to the age group from 5-18 years, were inducted in the new ‘Balasabha.’

It is expected that the participation of migrant children, hailing from various states, in the activities of the Sabha would give them an opportunity to mingle with native children and thus improve their language skills.

A full time resource person was also appointed to coordinate various activities of Balasabha, the official said. Kudumbashree has also plans to set up more such Balasabhas in Perumbavoor, a town with largest migrant labourers population in Ernakulam district.