The Kochi Corporation is considering repatriating residents from other States housed at the Palluruthy Relief Settlement (PRS)—a shelter and rehabilitation home for destitute, wandering and abandoned people rescued largely from the streets—to care facilities in their respective States, ahead of a proposed overhaul of the PRS within the next six months.
The plan is to replace the ageing structure with a state-of-the-art facility spread over 10,000 sq. ft, complete with an in-house wellness centre and commercial space to generate revenue for a self-sustaining model. The existing building, with its worn-out amenities, currently houses 138 residents, including long-term inmates who have lived there for decades. The Corporation is exploring ways to shift or repatriate residents to bring down occupancy to about one-fourth before proceeding with demolition and laying the foundation stone for the new facility in the coming months.
“While residents from Ernakulam will be shifted to the Corporation’s other care facilities, such as the old age home and the institution for the differently-abled, we are considering repatriating those from outside Kerala to facilities in their respective States. Roughly 30% to 40% of the current residents hail from other States. Similar efforts are being made to relocate residents from other districts. Plans are also underway to restore residents to their families wherever they can be traced,” said Antony Painuthara, chairperson of the Corporation’s welfare standing committee.
Urgent need for renovation
Sources at PRS noted that the old facility was in urgent need of renovation and improved amenities to accommodate the growing number of residents. “A modern wellness centre will be invaluable, as it will spare us the inconvenience of rushing residents to government hospitals during emergencies,” they said.
The proposal to include commercial space is aimed at creating an income-generating avenue, besides opening up possibilities for bank credit. “We can also explore the possibility of using plan fund and mobilising corporate social responsibility funds. We are also in talks with the Industries department to provide vocational training to residents who are physically and mentally fit for such programmes,” Mr. Painuthara added.
However, S. Murukan, founder of Theruvoram, a Kochi‑based non‑governmental organisation (NGO) engaged in the rescue and rehabilitation of destitute persons, alleged that PRS has been abdicating its responsibility for the past 15 years. “It has been reluctant to admit new residents, citing overcrowding. In the past, the Corporation used to rescue people from the streets using its own vehicles, but that practice has now dwindled. PRS also grapples with a shortage of staff,” he said.
Published – August 24, 2026 04:16 pm IST
