Kerala's Landslide Victims Face Harsh Reality: Loans, Not Aid, for Rehabilitation

In a heart-wrenching twist of fate, victims of the devastating Kerala landslides find themselves grappling with a decision that has sparked widespread outrage and disbelief: the government is offering them rehabilitation assistance in the form of loans, not grants. This stark contrast to the aid provided to flood victims has ignited a fierce protest, highlighting a glaring disparity in how different disaster-affected communities are treated.

The issue came to a head at a rehabilitation center in Mundakkayam, where 39 families displaced by landslides in Kottayam and Idukki districts are housed.

These families, many from vulnerable tribal communities, were promised a new beginning. Instead, they are confronted with a financial package that feels less like a lifeline and more like an added burden: a Rs 10 lakh loan. While initially interest-free for one year, this loan will accumulate a 7% interest rate thereafter, forcing these already traumatized individuals into a cycle of debt to rebuild their lives.

This policy stands in stark opposition to the government's approach for flood victims, who received outright grants for rehabilitation.

The injustice is palpable, and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM) has taken a strong stance, spearheading protests against what they deem an insensitive and discriminatory decision. Their argument is clear: landslide victims, having lost everything, deserve the same compassionate consideration as those affected by floods.

The plight of these families is compounded by their socio-economic background.

Many are daily wage laborers or subsistence farmers who have lost their land, homes, and livelihoods. Expecting them to repay a significant loan under such circumstances is not only unrealistic but also deeply unfair. Critics argue that this policy not only fails to provide genuine support but also adds immense psychological stress to people already struggling with profound loss.

The controversy underscores a critical need for consistency and equity in disaster relief policies.

As the protests continue to gather momentum, the government faces increasing pressure to revisit its decision and ensure that all victims of natural calamities receive aid that truly helps them recover and rebuild, rather than pushing them further into financial distress. The call for grants, not loans, for these vulnerable landslide victims echoes across the state, demanding justice and genuine compassion.