Blockchain Technology to Embrace Challenges of Migrant Labour

K Mohammed Y Safirulla IAS, District Collector, Ernakulam, inaugurated the Blockathon for Change at Maker Village in Kalamassery. In his address, he said, “Though we are growing there is a vast segment of population left behind. As a society we need to put efforts to reduce the divide.”

A brainchild of the US Consulate General, Chennai, Blockchain for Change is supported by Centre for Public Policy Research (CPPR), Maker Village and Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM).

Alexis S. Wolff, Spokesperson, US Consulate General, Chennai said, “innovation and social change should go hand in hand.”

“The aim of the Blockathon for Change is to explore technological solutions for the welfare of migrant labourers”, said Dr. D. Dhanuraj, Chairman, CPPR during his inaugural remarks.

Blockathon for Change is a hackathon that aims to address societal issues faced by migrant labourers leveraging the blockchain technology. Around 20 shortlisted teams from Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu will compete for a cash prize of INR 1.75 Lakh and an opportunity to incubate at the Kerala Startup Mission. The winners will be announced at a valedictory function at Maker Village on December 22, 2017, Friday. P Vijayan IPS, IG, Ernakulam Range, will felicitate the winners.

Prasad Balakrishnan Nair, CEO, Maker Village welcomed the participants and said “This is an ideal platform for start-up ecosystem to engage with society.”

Blockathon for Change is a novel initiative to realize the true potential of blockchain technology. It aims to bring about innovation-driven ideas to help solve some of the issues our labourers face and tap their potential for greater contribution towards the economy. The solutions will improve the quality of their lives as well as those of their families.