Kerala Higher Education Minister R. Bindu on Tuesday committed to completing the construction of a house for the family of Bindu, a 52-year-old woman who tragically died in a building collapse at Kottayam Government Medical College Hospital on July 3. Visiting the family’s modest home in Thalayolaparambu, Bindu handed over a Rs 12.80 lakh construction contract to a local contractor, with work set to begin Wednesday and conclude within 50 days. The project, funded by National Service Scheme (NSS) volunteers under her department and contributions from philanthropists, aims to provide stability for Bindu’s grieving family.

Bindu, a low-wage textile worker, was at the hospital as a bystander for her daughter Navami, who awaits neurosurgery. The collapse of a 68-year-old toilet block claimed her life, leaving behind her husband Vishruthan, a mason, son Navaneeth, 22, and daughter Navami, 20. During her visit, Minister Bindu consoled Vishruthan, Navaneeth, and Bindu’s mother Seethalakshmi, assuring them of comprehensive government support, including full coverage of Navami’s medical expenses.

The incident has sparked political controversy, with Congress and BJP labeling Bindu’s death as “tantamount to murder” due to alleged delays in rescue operations, demanding Health Minister Veena George’s resignation. State ministers, including V.N. Vasavan, have defended George, dismissing the accusations as “politically motivated.” Additional aid includes Rs 50,000 from the government and Rs 5 lakh from the Oommen Chandy Foundation, while Navaneeth may secure a permanent job.

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