Construction of Layams to be Completed Before Rainy Season: Minister P Rajeeve

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM:
he construction of labour housing (layam) for plantation workers should be completed before the rainy season, Industries Minister P Rajeeve has said.

He stated this during the inauguration of the Plantation Directorate’s scheme to renovate and construct labour housing for plantation workers here on Friday.

“This scheme addresses a long-standing problem. The condition of labour housing has been a major concern for the government. The Plantation Directorate has now come up with a mission to tackle this issue,” said Rajeeve.

“The government has received 27 Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for constructing 110 labour lines and renovating 774 labour lines, with a total estimated cost of Rs 13.46 crores. The subsidy amount for this project will be Rs 3.61 crores. Their completion is expected within two months. The scheme’s state-wide inauguration will be held in Idukki.”

He stated that the Plantation Directorate was the result of the state government’s emphasis on the plantation sector. A draft policy has been submitted, incorporating the IIM Calicut’s recommendations. Further actions will be based on these recommendations.

Representatives of Kannan Devan Plantations, Tata Consumer Products, AVT, Malankara Plantations, Pambadumpara Plantations, and Harrison Malayalam Limited handed over DPRs at the function.

“The issues faced by plantation workers, including their housing, are a priority for the government, and we are dedicated to addressing these matters promptly,” said APM Mohammed Hanish, Principal Secretary of the Industries Department.

Director of Industries and Special Officer (Plantation) Mir Mohammed Ali; Industries Department Additional Director, Dr. KS Kripakumar, Association of Plantation (Kerala) Chairman Prince Thomas George, plantation owners and trade union leaders attended the function.

The Plantation Directorate has made a framework for the scheme after the Kerala Government’s 2024-25 budget allocated Rs 10 crores to renovate and construct these cluster homes.

As per the framework, 30% of the total cost of the renovation or construction of a labour house will be given as a subsidy (up to Rs 50,000 for renovation and up to Rs 2,00,000 for construction).

The renovation includes roof work, floor work, electrification, plastering of walls, construction of extra rooms, renovation of toilets, waste management and portable water supply units.

For the construction/ renovation of layams, plantation owners should submit the project report to a committee comprising the General Manager of the District Industries Centre as the chairman, its Deputy Registrar as convener and a civil engineer with minimum Assistant Engineer rank of PWD, plantation inspector and the district lead bank manager as members. The renovation/construction work can be started once the committee approves the report.