Housing scheme for SC/ST communitieson the anvil: Kerala CM

Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan announced a new scheme to build houses for members of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes communities in Kerala. During the inauguration of the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples observance, Satheesan assured assistance for students from SC/ST communities and addressed complaints about the Life Mission housing scheme.

He highlighted the need to protect the unique lifestyles, art forms, traditional medicine, and biodiversity of the 48 crore indigenous people globally. A service portal aimed at improving the speed and transparency of departmental services was also launched. The Chief Minister also spoke about rehabilitating fishers displaced by development projects and ensuring recognition for inland fisheries workers.

Pandit Karuppan's emphasis on education for backward communities was also acknowledged. Fisheries Minister V.M. Abdul Gafoor promised to act on a list of demands submitted by the Akhila Kerala Dheevara Sabha. The Coast Guard and Navy, along with State agencies, are cooperating in a search for two missing fishers in Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam.