Nirmithi Kendra: Where work stands still

KOCHI: The District Nirmithi Kendra which was started in 1988 to undertake low cost production works is in a limbo. The production centre ,where low cost materials are made in Nirmithi Kendra, is in a state of complete dilapidation.Additional District Magistrate, E K Sujatha, who is the secretary of the District Nirmithi Kendra said, " There is no demand for the low-cost production materials now in the market. This is one of the main reasons for not undertaking any such works."Though the District Project Manager, District Nirmithi Kendra ,P J George confirmed that there are no production works being undertaken at the production centre at present, he also said that the District Nirmithi Kendra was not formed to undertake low cost production works."This was not built to undertake such works. The District Nirmithi Kendra deals with works which are not done by the works department.” But highly placed sources with the General Administration and Revenue Department in Collectorate refuted the statement saying that the District Nirmithi Kendra was established with the aim of promoting low cost buildings.E K Sujatha also said that the district administration have asked them to canvass for more work to make it a profitable organisation.G Motilal, Former Head Clerk, District Nirmithi Kendra said, “This is an autonomous body which runs with the aid of government fund. But so far,the authorities of District Nirmithi Kendra have not taken any substantial steps to make it better and focus on low income and middle class people.  Due to this lackadaisical attitude, the aim with which it was started is defeated.”He also said that it has now become an institution that is totally dependent on the District Administration.The dearth of staff is yet another problem. “The post of Project Engineer, which is the responsible authority,is vacant.”To add to the woes, the organisation also lacks enough funds to carry out the works in a proper manner. “We are trying to swim against the flow. There is scarcity of funds. We are trying our level best to canvas works,” P J George Project Coordinator said.