PALLURUTHY: The Relief Settlement here is a shelter for the abandoned and the destitute but a close look at the surroundings and inmates here reflect how the shelter home has been taken for granted by the public and the authorities.
While a significant number of inmates is brought by the police when they find them begging or wandering on the streets, a few others are brought by NGOs. However, there are several inmates, most of whom are aged above 50 years, who have been abandoned here by their own children. The only criteria for admitting a person to the home is a letter from the respective councillor stating that the person can be lodged at the relief settlement. The staff here say that this is done without any investigation into whether the person is homeless and has nobody to take care of them. Also, political influence plays a big role.
Of the 200-odd inmates, about 98 per cent suffer from mild to chronic mental disorders. Some are violent while some wander about singing and dancing. Inside six big halls -three for men and three for women, 127 men and 80 women live.
Though the rooms and surroundings have a limit in the number it can accommodate, there is no limit to the number of people who are brought in every month. On an average about 20 people are brought in each month.
“There was a time when there were about 350 to 400 inmates at the home. The Corporation took steps to take the inmates belonging to other states to their respective places.
Even then, the infrastructure facilities can cater to 150 people at the most. One hall is for those who suffer from serious mental disorders. All the newcomers have to be accommodated in the other two rooms. Basic amenities for those who come in is a big problem,” said T V Sivadasan, Superintendent of the home.
Its administration is in the hands of the Corporation which keeps aside an amount for it. For provisional items, the cost comes to `2 lakh per month.
Food is sometimes sponsored by people from outside. The relocation of the inmates and legal steps are usually supported by the PCSJ.
Since most belong to other states, they have to be taken back to their native land which is not always possible for mainly two reasons-shortage of funds and shortage of staff.
Six attenders have been appointed by the Corporation to take care of the 207 inmates lodged here. The other staff include cooks, driver and nurses. Apart from these, there are a few appointed by the PCSJ.
“One of the major shortcomings is fund shortage. Fund allotted is compartmentalised and if there is an emergency we are helpless. Ideally, there has to be one staff for 15 to 20 inmates throughout. It would be a big difference if more workers and counsellors are appointed,” said Bitty Joseph, Project Manager, PCSJ.
Vocational training: The settlement also has a vocational training centre where the inmates weave clothes and make bags and mats. They are sold through an annual mela which fetches the inmates about `2000 annually. While a few run away, many wish to remain here. “One man ran away after a week or two because he earned a huge amount through begging. He had the freedom to do what he wanted which he won’t get here,” said a staff who works at the settlement area.
“I am from Tamil Nadu and came here 10 years ago and do not want to return home,” said Jaya, an inmate.
“New blocks are being built to accommodate more inmates. If more caretakers are required we will do the needful,” said the Mayor.