Question

When and where was the pilot programme for 'Changathi' launched?

• A. In 2017 at Palakkad
• B. In 2017 at Perumbavoor in Ernakulam district
• C. In 2018 at Wayanad
• D. In 2018 at Thiruvananthapuram

Answer 1

Answer:

B. In 2017 at Perumbavoor in Ernakulam district

About the 'Changathi' Program

• The 'Changathi' (meaning 'friend' in Malayalam) program is a significant educational initiative launched by the Government of Kerala.
• Its primary objective is to teach Malayalam language to migrant laborers residing in the state.
• The program aims to help these workers overcome language barriers, thereby facilitating their social integration, improving communication in daily life, and enhancing their opportunities in workplaces.

Launch Details

• The pilot phase of the 'Changathi' program was officially launched in 2017.
• The specific location chosen for this inaugural pilot was Perumbavoor, an important industrial and commercial hub in the Ernakulam district of Kerala.
• Perumbavoor was selected due to its significant concentration of migrant workers, making it an ideal testing ground for the program's effectiveness and reach.

Implementing Body and Objectives

• The 'Changathi' program is spearheaded by the Kerala State Literacy Mission Authority (KSLMA), an autonomous body under the Department of General Education, Government of Kerala.
• Beyond language acquisition, the program also aims to provide migrant workers with basic knowledge about Kerala's culture, administrative systems, and local laws.
• This initiative is crucial for ensuring the welfare, cultural inclusion, and overall well-being of the large migrant population in the state.

Relevance to Kerala Model Development

• The 'Changathi' program exemplifies the principles of the Kerala Model of Development, which emphasizes inclusive growth, social welfare, and human development for all sections of society.
• It showcases Kerala's proactive approach to addressing the needs of vulnerable populations, including migrant workers, who play a vital role in the state's economy.
• This initiative reinforces the state's commitment to ensuring dignity, basic rights, and opportunities for all residents, contributing to social harmony and sustainable development.

Impact and Expansion

• Following the successful pilot in Perumbavoor, the 'Changathi' program has been expanded to various other districts across Kerala, demonstrating its positive impact and the state's dedication to its continuity.
• It serves as a progressive model for integrating migrant populations through educational interventions, potentially inspiring similar initiatives in other regions facing similar demographic shifts.