Kerala Women’s Commission members visiting a layam (cluster homes) at Vandiperiyar in Idukki.
On October 22, 2024, members of the Kerala Women’s Commission highlighted serious concerns regarding the inadequate living conditions of plantation workers during their visit to Peerumade taluk in Idukki. The commission’s chairperson, P. Satheedevi, and her team carefully examined the poor state of layams (cluster homes) and the challenging working environment faced by tea plantation laborers.
During their visit to Vandiperiyar, the women workers showcased their dilapidated homes, which are managed by the estate owners, expressing the difficulties they encounter in their living conditions.
The commission’s investigation gathered testimonies from women workers at several plantations, including HML, POABS, AVT, and BETHEL.
Chairperson Satheedevi pledged to submit a comprehensive report addressing the state of the layams and working conditions within the plantation industry, which will feature actionable recommendations aimed at improving the situation.
She emphasized the importance of women speaking up against workplace exploitation.
Additionally, an awareness workshop for women plantation workers was inaugurated by Ms. Satheedevi in the Vandiperiyar panchayat community hall. The meeting was presided over by commission member Indira Ravindran and attended by fellow member Elizabeth Mamman Mathai, Director Shaji Sugunan, and Peerumade Plantation Inspector E. Dineshan.
The commission is set to continue its investigation with a visit to closed-down tea plantations and layams in Upputhara, Idukki, on Wednesday.
Published – October 23, 2024 04:10 am IST
