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In Thiruvananthapuram, renovation of 186 dilapidated homes in Bonacaud is set for completion by December, offering plantation workers safe, dignified housing as a New Year's gift. Once part of the historic Bonaccord tea estate, workers had lived in rundown "layam" units since the estate's closure in the early 2000s. The INR 4 crore project is jointly funded by the labour and plantation departments. It aligns with Kerala's LIFE Mission, which provides secure housing and inclusive support to vulnerable groups. This initiative marks a major step in restoring dignity and stability for the long-marginalized plantation worker community in Bonacaud.
In Thiruvananthapuram, the renovation of dilapidated housing units at Bonacaud is set to conclude by December of the current year, providing safe and dignified homes for 186 families. Law and Industries Minister P. Rajeeve stated that the workers would receive their newly renovated residences as a New Year's gift. The project is a joint initiative by the labour and industry departments, with the District Construction Centre overseeing the work. Advertisement
The Bonacaud tea estate, originally known as Bonaccord and established by the British in the mid-19th century, has a long history intertwined with the lives of plantation workers, many of whom are descendants of laborers brought from southern Tamil Nadu. The estate, previously owned by Mahavir Plantations Limited, faced severe setbacks and eventual closure in the early 2000s, largely due to financial difficulties exacerbated by shifts in tea import policies. This closure left numerous workers in dire economic straits, struggling with unpaid wages, provident fund arrears, and gratuity, forcing many to reside in unmaintained and dilapidated "layam" housing units, often resorting to using plastic sheets to cover leaks.
The state government has taken steps to address these grievances, including settling 50 percent of the workers' gratuity arrears since the current administration assumed office. The ongoing renovation, costing INR 4 crore, is a critical part of this commitment. The funding is equally split, with INR 2 crore from the plantation department and an additional INR 2 crore from the labour department's Plantation Workers Relief Fund, highlighting a concerted effort to support these long-suffering communities.
This project resonates with the overarching goals of the Kerala government's "Livelihood, Inclusion, and Financial Empowerment (LIFE) Mission." Launched a few years ago, the LIFE Mission is a comprehensive scheme dedicated to providing free and secure housing to landless and homeless families across the state, including vulnerable groups like plantation workers.
This mission envisions not just shelter but also aims for holistic development through integrated social services, skill development, and livelihood opportunities, thereby uplifting marginalized communities and fostering their social and economic inclusion. The renovation in Bonacaud is a tangible manifestation of this broader commitment, transforming long-neglected housing into habitable spaces and offering renewed hope to families who have endured years of challenging living conditions.
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