THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Slowly and steadily, Kozhikode’s ‘Sulaimani’ effect is making inroads into the capital. The hunger-free model from northern Kerala, which is on trial for nearly a month, is garnering praise from the public.
The two-month-old ‘Operation Sulaimani’ in Kozhikode, a joint initiative of Kozhikode district administration and Hotel and Restaurant Association was launched to feed the hungry and those without money to buy food. The plan, which garnered the interest of the district administration here, has been reciprocated. Though the official launch had been set for Chingam 1, the authorities are still continuing a trial run of the project.
In the initial phase, a total of 42 hotels and restaurants have been roped in for the project. Free coupons will be distributed via village offices, from where the needy can access them and have food for free from the hotels or restaurants which are involved in the project. Coupons are distributed via 13 village offices in the city area.
“Three to four hotels and restaurants located near the village offices are now part of the project. This is to ensure hassle-free access for the beneficiary to avoid paying for transport. The expenses incurred by the hotels for the food provided to such persons is compensated through the ‘food cost’ paid to them by the Hotel and Restaurant Association,” said G Sudheesh Kumar, president of Kerala Hotel and Restaurant Association.
Targeting the flow of patients and bystanders, the district administration had earlier decided to include the Medical College Hospital and premises in the project. However, owing to the involvement of NGOs, charitable and voluntary organisations and individuals in free food distribution at the hospital zone, the plan was dropped.
The district administration is set to have another round of deliberations with the Hotel and Restaurant Association to discuss the shortcomings in the implementation of the project. “Currently, the project is not functional during public holidays, weekends and Sundays as the village offices do not function during these days. So, we need to find an alternative for issuing food coupons. Also, to receive the total effect of the scheme, it must be spread to the rural areas as well,” said Sudheesh Kumar.
The official launch of the project is likely to take place this month and the project is to have a nomenclature to gel with the regional flavour.