THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Law and Industries Minister P Rajeeve has announced that the renovation of the dilapidated housing units linked to the defunct estate in Bonacaud will be completed by December. He mentioned that the workers will receive their renovated homes as a New Year gift.
While inaugurating the renovation project, Rajeeve asserted that the government is committed to reopening the tea estate.
The renovation encompasses 43 housing units that will benefit 186 families, costing Rs 4 crore, with Rs 2 crore contributed by the plantation department and Rs 2 crore from the labour department’s Plantation Workers Relief Fund.
The District Construction Centre is undertaking the renovation work, aiming for completion by the end of December. “This project is a collaborative effort between the labour and industry departments to provide relief to families that have endured poor living conditions for a significant time,” the minister stated. He added that, since the current government assumed office, 50% of the workers’ gratuity arrears have been settled.
Minister for General Education and Labour V Sivankutty also attended the event and emphasized that ensuring the welfare of workers is a government priority, with a commitment to providing safe and dignified housing. The event also saw participation from district collector Anu Kumari, MLA G Stephen, various local self-government representatives, public organizations, political parties, and District Labour Officer A Biju.
