Layams of tea estate workers in Idukki crying for help; workers concerned over Govt inaction

Idukki: Even after warnings of isolated heavy rains, the government's efforts to modernise the estate layams have reached nowhere.  Despite government allocation of Rs 20 crore for modernization efforts, no progress has been made yet leaving the tea estate families living in fear. The workers are worried if these layams can survive another season in this condition. 

In Peerumedu taluk, four estates that have been closed for 24 years are majorly affected, but the condition of other layams (workers' quarters) is not much better. It is learnt that lack of coordination between departments is hindering immediate improvements. Although the Department of Labour has directed estate management to address the dangerous conditions, no action has been taken so far.

Workers are appealing to the authorities to at least provide waterproof  tarpaulin to cover the leaking roofs. Despite instructions given to the labour department to identify necessary repairs for the closed layams, no progress has been made due to government's inaction. If the monsoon season becomes more severe, the only option may be to relocate these workers to relief camps.

'Mathrubhumi' has shed light on the poor condition of the estates and the misery of the workers many times. Following tragic events such as the Pettimudi tragedy in 2018 and the death of a woman labourer due to a collapsed layam room in 2021, the government has allocated funds for the modernization of the dilapidated layams in the state budget for 2022-23 and 2023-24. However, action for funds for 2022-23 was initiated in December 2023.

District Industries Centre prepared an estimate of the layams that required renovation and provided it to the Labour Department, which in turn submitted a detailed report to the Finance Ministry. However, the finance department has requested further clarification. Workers feel that both the district administration and the ruling and opposition trade unions are indifferent to their plight, despite being aware of the situation.