Model Citizen: Helping slum dwellers to settle in new place

Govindan, an employee of a private company, ran from pillar to post to solve the water leakage issue in many blocks and made the officials to install street lights and CCTV cameras inside the apartment premises. “As there are many blocks in the settlement, we have several residents’ welfare associations. To raise our demands collectively, we formed a federation of associations and I was elected as its president,” he said. 

Even though he has a job to provide for his family, Govindan has been continuously demanding the government to create employment to the other residents, who were relocated from Red Hills, Teynampet and other places. “Women can find jobs in posh apartments near Perumbakkam as housemaids. But, men, who are plumbers, carpenters and electricians, couldn’t find jobs nearby. So, they travel to the city or stay home,” he pointed out. He lamented that even though his federation organised job fairs for the residents, many skilled labours could not find employment. “There is huge land available near Perumbakkam. The government should set up industries and create job opportunities,” he demanded.