Plantation workers to be brought under special housing scheme

Kerala government today announced a package for workers in the plantation sector by bringing them under a special housing scheme.
The scheme will be formulated to provide houses to all workers in the plantations, Finance Minster T M Thomas Issac told the assembly while concluding the debate on general discussion on 2016-17 state budget.
The amount necessary for this purpose will be set apart in the EMS Housing Scheme for the poor, he said.
For constructing 34 roads, Rs 560 crore will be sanctioned from the special investment scheme. For new bypass roads Rs 105 crore has been set apart, while for construction of 9 new bridges Rs 100 crore has been earmarked, he said.

For construction of new flyovers Rs 90 crore and railway over bridges Rs 70 crore has been set apart, the Minister added.
Government also decided to reconsider tax concession on rice bran oil and expects to garner Rs 10 crore through this.
Trivandrum Press Club's Media management and Journalism Training centre has been alloted Rs 25 lakh for improving facilities.