Minister declares Edamalakkudy 'smart', but residents seek better facilities

IT was with much fanfare that a smart panchayat office for Edamalakkudy, the first tribal panchayat in Kerala, was inaugurated by Minister for Local Self Government M B Rajesh on May 6.

- NEJMA SULAIMAN @Idukki

Although the opening of a dedicated panchayat office within the settlement 15 years after the formation of Edamalakkudy as a tribal panchayat, was termed a milestone in its history, the tribal residents, however, are a discontented lot. They alleged that they have been denied even basic facilities at the settlement during the past 15 years despite making tall promises.