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Title : Need to take suitable measures to protect the interest of workers employed in tea, coffee and rubber estates in Kerala.
SHRI CHENGARA SURENDRAN (ADOOR): Sir, in Kerala there are number of tea, coffee and rubber estates. Lakhs of workers are employed in these estates. Most of the estates belong to the private individuals and the big business families. Recently, it has been noticed that big business families are backing out from this business and they are diversifying to other business. They are selling their estates in segments to the private individuals and other interested parties like Non-Resident Indians (NIRs). These new owners of the estates are least concerned about the well being of the workers employed in these estates. They are forcing workers to take VRS or work on contract basis. They are forcing workers to take VRS or work on contract basis. They are also retrenching regular employees. Lakhs of workers are facing threat to their livelihood. So, it is my earnest request that the Union Government should interfere in this matter so that workers are not deprived of their livelihood.