Vigilance probe exposes the rot behind Kerala's Life Mission showcase

The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau has begun a preliminary inquiry into alleged irregularities in the construction of the P&T Apartment Complex at Mundamveli in Kochi, once held up as a showcase of Kerala's Life Mission housing programme. The order, issued by the Home Department on September 22 through the Additional Chief Secretary, directs the VACB director to inquire into the officials responsible for the irregularities detected and to submit a report within the stipulated time. Vigilance officials have already inspected the apartments and their surroundings, and interacted with residents and members of the protest committee that has been demanding action. Seventy-eight families live in the complex, commissioned in 2024. Within less than two years, the flats — meant to be a safe home for the poor — developed serious construction defects, and residents say they have been forced to live with continuing problems despite repeated complaints. The project used the pre-engineered building method, which has itself come under criticism, and the decision to award the contract to the Thrissur District Labour Contract Co-operative Society (TDLC) has raised questions, since the society allegedly had no prior experience with the method. The Greater Cochin Development Authority, which commissioned the project, terminated TDLC's services in July 2024. The construction issues were also raised during the previous Assembly session. Reports say the inquiry was recommended by Minister K.M. Shaji. The previous Chief Minister and the Local Self Government Minister had repeatedly projected Life Mission as a flagship achievement of the government — claims that are now under scrutiny. The fallout has already begun. On October 3, the Kochi Corporation rejected a bid by TDLC — the lowest bidder — for preparing the Detailed Project Report for its proposed convention centre at Edappally, and decided to retender the work instead. The Vigilance probe will examine how the project was awarded and executed and whether the prescribed technical procedures were followed. For a programme once projected as proof of the previous government's commitment to housing the poor, the inquiry is an uncomfortable spotlight — and for the 78 families still living with the defects, it is long overdue. Questions have also been raised over whether the contract was awarded without adequate technical scrutiny, and whether the society's capacity to execute the design was properly assessed. The inquiry follows persistent complaints from residents and concerns already raised in the Assembly; until its findings arrive, the future of the 78 families remains uncertain.