Kerala - Kozhikode   

Workers `capture' closed down estate

Staff Reporter

KOZHIKODE: Workers belonging to the Plantation Thozhilali Varga Union (PTVU) `occupied' the closed down Fringe Ford Estate in Thalappuzha, near Mannathavady, in Wayanad district this morning, reports reaching here said.

The workers, widows and destitute forcibly occupied the estate spanning a sprawling 150 acres on Puthiyidam road and Makkimala road. P.T.John, general secretary of the Union, said that the workers entered the estate premises at around 11 a.m. on Sunday. The `seizure' of the estate was part of the Union's policy to establish their right over the land if the estate was closed down without resorting to any productive activities. The Union would seize any estate, which were closed down illegally, he added.

Mr. John said that the shares of the company rest with Pradeep Sudodiya and family of Kolkata. The estate was earlier run by an European company registered as per the Company Act of 1936 in Kochi. It was shut down for many years now.

Mr.John said that the Union will fight it out in the court against the company owned by the Kolkata native for `cheating' public, Government and workers at the same time by `violating' and `denying' the benefits to workers under the Plantation Labour Act.

He pointed out that the company lost its registration with the Tea Board as it pluck out tea saplings without the permission from the Board. The company was excluded from the Plantation Act following the cancellation of registration. Workers lost their jobs following the closure of the estate.

He also alleged that the estate workers were not disbursed their benefits. The company also cheated the Government by not paying the Plantation Tax from 1992.

.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

BJP demands White Paper on State finances
`Publish White Paper on State finances'
Advani to address meeting in Kozhikode
Workers `capture' closed down estate
Easter celebrated with prayers in Kozhikode city
Bid to marginalise ryots alleged
Move to marginalise farmers alleged
Award for painting to be presented today
CCCI team to visit trade fair in China
CPI(M) leaders to address election meetings
In Kozhikode Today

Copyright © 2006, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu