Steps taken to reopen closed tea estates

Addressing a press meet held in connection with the second anniversary of LDF government, Gurudasan said a Special Purpose Tea Fund was also constituted through Tea Board.   

A scheme to disburse Rs.3.44 lakh per hectare for re-planting was also initiated. Efforts were also on to reopen the remaining closed tea estates by taking over the same by invoking the concerned Central Act, he added.   

 

State government had submitted to Centre a Rs 1,677.7 crore rehabilitation package for closed plantations in the state, he said. Centre recently approved a special package for the state for reopening plantations, he said.   

It was proposed to start 21 ITIs in the state and foundation stone for the Kerala Institute of Design would be laid at Chandanathopu in Kollam by Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan on June 13.

The Institute would impart training on traditional crafts, he said.   

On Excise department, Gurudasan said a committee headed by fomer Excise Commissioner and Additionaal Chief Secretary J Lalithambika has been constituted for making recomendations to carry out reforms in Abkari Act.  
Modern facilities would be added in Excise department and additional workers would be provided. The Enforcement Wing of Excise would be strengthened to deal with illicit liquor trade, he said.