The US Consulate General, Chennai, along with the Centre for Public Policy Research (CPPR), Maker Village and Kerala Startup Mission, on Friday announced the launch of ‘Blockathon For Change’ hackathon to address the societal issues faced by migrant labourers, by leveraging ‘blockchain technology’.The proposed hackathon is designed to beneficially employ blockchain technology for offering comprehensive solutions to mitigate the problems related to migrant labourers. Migrant workers 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 and policy levels. “Migrant labourers 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 issues,” said D Dhanuraj, chairman of CPPR. 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, Kochi. Registration is open and the deadline is December 9. More details are available at www.blockathonforchange.com“This initiative is an effort to realise the true potential of blockchain technology,” said Prasad Balakrishnan Nair, CEO, Maker Village.