Kerala minister pledges support for hospital collapse victim's family

Kottayam (Kerala) | Kerala Higher Education Minister R Bindu on Tuesday announced that National Service Scheme (NSS) units under her department would complete the construction of the house of the woman who died after a portion of the government medical college building collapsed in Kottayam last week.

The minister visited Bindu (52)'s home in Thalayolaparambu and handed over the construction contract to a local contractor, according to an official statement.

An estimated Rs 12.80 lakh has been earmarked for the project, which is scheduled to be completed within 50 days. Construction will begin the very next day, the statement added.

In addition to funds raised by NSS volunteers, the minister said contributions from well-wishers were also expected.

The minister met the deceased person's mother, husband, and son on Tuesday morning and assured them of full government support.

She also informed the family that Bindu's daughter Navami, who is undergoing treatment, would receive the necessary care and recover fully.

Bindu had been accompanying her hospitalised daughter when she was trapped under debris after part of a hospital building collapsed.

She died in the incident, while three others were injured.

The Congress and BJP termed her death "tantamount to murder" and staged widespread protests demanding the resignation of Health Minister Veena George.

However, state ministers, including V N Vasavan, Saji Cherian, P A Mohammed Riyas, and V Sivankutty, strongly defended George, calling the allegations "politically motivated".