Thiruvananthapuram: The state government on Thursday announced a policy with the aim of strengthening the plantation sector and protecting the labourers. The plantation policy also recommended tourism activities in the sector without causing changes to the basic structure and without environmental impact.

The policy recommended to increase the allowances for labourers provided through workers’ welfare board. Also the small plantation welfare schemes will be widened. A new project will be introduced for the education and skill development of the children of plantation workers.

T P Ramakrishnan, Minister for Labour and Excise stated that the policy was drafted taking into considerations of Justice Krishnan Nair Commission. The recommendation to bring plantation workers under ESI scheme is being evaluated by the labour department, he added.

Other recommendations in the Plantation Policy are:

  • Reopening of 13 plantations which remain shut since the Covid pandemic
  • House for labourers through Life Mission
  • Laboratory to test herbicides, pesticides and fertilizers
  • Insurance coverage for all plantation crops
  • Project to check wild animal attack in association with forest department
  • Coordination committee to develop plantation crops
  • Plantation directorate to communicate and coordinate daily affairs with various departments
  • Project to protect Western Ghats
  • Project to protect rainwater tanks and fences
  • Cluster projects for value added products