Blockchain technology to embrace challenges of migrant labour at #BlockathonForChange

US Consulate General, Chennai* with *Centre for Public Policy Research (CPPR)*, *Maker Village *and *Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM)* announced the launch of *Blockathon For Change* hackathon to address the societal issues faced by migrant labourers leveraging the *blockchain technology*. Migrant labourers are often a disadvantaged and vulnerable group because of displacement and associated social, economic and cultural issues. In India, massive interstate migration of labourers poses serious predicaments warranting immediate attention both at the ground level and policy level. The proposed hackathon is designed to beneficially employ the blockchain technology for offering comprehensive solutions to mitigate problems related to migrant labour. Dr D Dhanuraj, Chairman of CPPR said, “Migrant workers encounter various problems in their daily life. Their contribution to our economy is enormous, but little is done for their well being. Therefore with this hackathon, we want to find technology-driven solutions to their challenges.” Applications are invited from ideators, inventors, software developers, programmers, designers, engineers, entrepreneurs and start-ups from near and far to participate in the Blockathon For Change hackathon at Maker Village, Kerala. Registration is open and last date to apply for the participation is December 09. More details, programmes and events can be found at www.blockathonforchange.com “This initiative is an effort to realise the true potential of blockchain technology. This hackathon will enhance our approach to innovation and create opportunities to tackle various social challenges”, said *Prasad Balakrishnan Nair, *CEO, Maker Village. Participants will compete for a cash prize of *Rs 1.75 lakh* and an opportunity to *incubate at Kerala Startup Mission*. All solutions developed during the hackathon will remain the intellectual property of developers and will be free to develop their solutions further after the hackathon.