Women’s Commission Chief Nagalakshmi Chowdhary visits Kogilu Layout; Seeks relief for women and children

Karnataka State Women’s Commission Chairperson Nagalakshmi Chowdhary met Kogilu Layout residents after the demolition, heard their grievances, verified documents, and sought urgent support for women, children, pregnant women and new mothers.

Karnataka State Women’s Commission Chairperson Nagalakshmi Chowdhary visited Kogilu Layout on Tuesday morning at 11.30 am to assess the situation of residents affected by the demolition of houses. Her visit focused on understanding the difficulties faced by women and children after the clearance drive.

During the visit, Nagalakshmi Chowdhary interacted directly with residents and listened to their concerns. She asked detailed questions about how long families had been living in the area, the number of members in each household, their occupations, where they are currently staying and how they are managing daily life. She also enquired whether basic facilities had been provided after the demolition.

Also Read:Kogilu layout draws international attention! Pak enters, India dismisses “Baseless” claims

Several residents told her that they had been living in Kogilu Layout for 15 years, while some claimed they had migrated from Andhra Pradesh nearly 30 years ago and had settled there permanently. They submitted documents such as Aadhaar cards, PAN cards, BPL cards and electricity bills, insisting that they would not leave the area and wanted houses at the same location. Many residents expressed fear of shifting to apartments and urged the authorities to provide housing within Kogilu Layout itself.

Special attention was drawn to vulnerable groups. Information was shared that a woman who delivered a baby 45 days ago is still living at the site, while another woman who is five months pregnant has been shifted elsewhere. Residents also said their children attend nearby schools and relocating them would disrupt their education.

Addressing the residents, Nagalakshmi Chowdhary said the land belongs to the government and assured them that housing would be provided based on available records. She urged residents to make use of the temporary arrangements that have been put in place. She confirmed that the government has given assurances, adding that the Deputy Chief Minister had visited earlier and the Chief Minister has discussed the issue.

Also Read:‘Leaving Bengaluru Is My Best Decision’: Social media post triggers sharp backlash from Kannadigas

She stated that families with valid documents would be given houses at alternative locations and highlighted that relief measures such as gruel centres have already been started. Stressing that most families are poor and have lived there for 25 to 30 years, she said she would write again to the government seeking continued support.

The Women’s Commission Chairperson also said she has instructed officials from the Women and Child Welfare Department to ensure essential facilities and extend benefits under government schemes. She confirmed that a helpline has been opened to assist the affected families.