Date:12/05/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/05/12/stories/2007051215641100.htm

National

Cabinet nod likely for revival of tea gardens

Special Correspondent

11 tea gardens will be reopened in Kerala by May 27

KOLKATA: Cabinet nod for a revival package for the 33 tea gardens closed in Kerala, West Bengal and Assam is likely within 45 days, Union Minister of State for Commerce Jairam Ramesh said here on Friday.

Addressing journalists after a meeting of stakeholders in these tea gardens in West Bengal, the Minister said that 11 of the gardens would be reopened in Kerala by May 27, while in West Bengal the process would be kicked off with the reopening of one by May 17, followed by two more by June 29. About 3,806 employees were employed in these gardens. He was hopeful of reopening another two by July. A total of 35,000 workers and over a lakh people were affected by the closure of these gardens. Of the 33 gardens, 17 are in Kerala, 14 in West Bengal and two in Assam. The Minister said that while low productivity levels were among the prime reasons behind the closures, more important was the issue of owners' insensitivity.

The first such garden, Bonacard in Kerala, owned by Mahabir Plantations, reopened on April 6, 2007 following rounds of consultations with the stakeholders initiated by Mr. Ramesh. The gardens to be reopened in Kerala include nine owned by Ram Bahadur Thakur and two more owned by Peermade Tea Company.

Referring to the relief package now being examined by the Government, Mr. Ramesh said the total financial implication, spread over five years, was Rs. 58 crore for the Centre and Rs. 80 crores for the banking system. The package included rescheduling of loans, fresh term loans at subsidised interest, wavier of Tea Board's dues and penalties of the Employees Provident Fund Organisation.