The Plantation Corporation of Kerala Limited (PCKL) chairman, Varghese George, has called upon the government to take necessary steps to pay compensation worth Rs 120 crore to the victims of Endosulfan in Kasargod as directed by the National Human Rights Commission.
Addressing a meet-the-press programme at Pathanamthitta Press Club on Wednesday, Dr. George said PCKL was not in a position to bear with such a hefty financial burden as it would badly affect the prospects of the corporation as well as its 4000-strong workforce and hence the government should pay the same to the affected people. However, PCKL would only be happy to contribute its share as part of its corporate social responsibility, he added.
Dr. George said he would see to it that a total ban on the use of Endosulfan was enforced at the PCKL plantations. He said strict instructions have already been issued to the officials concerned not to use any lethal pesticide at the estates owned by the Corporation.
Collective failure
According to PCKL chairman, the tragedy due to use of the lethal Endosulfan was a collective failure of the academic and scientific community, manufacturers and users of the pesticide, officialdom, political leadership and the society at large.
Dr. George said the PCKL has decided to detoxify the stock of Endosulfan remaining at its store in Kasargod with the help of the Indian Army. People’s cooperation, above all political differences, was badly needed in this regard, he said. He said PCKL would also approach the United Nations Organisation seeking carbon credit.
Land conversion
Responding to a question, Dr. George said the Socialist Janata was against conversion of any paddy field as it would have a disastrous effect on the State’s food security, environment and ecosystem and not to speak of the related social issues in store. He said the Socialist Janata was for a realignment of all socialists at national-level in a long-term perspective.
Diversification
Dr. George said PCKL has decided to embark on a diversification mission with a view to its immense growth potential more effectively. He said proper branding of the Corporation was also badly needed in the present scenario.
The Corporation would start a diploma course in plantation management in the next academic year itself. The Corporation was also planning to set up a cashew factory in Kasargod, palm oil factory at Athirappally and expansion of the existing wood processing units at Kodumon, he said. PCKL was exploring the possibility of launching a canned cashew fruit juice.
Wage revision, salary hike on cards
Dr. George said the wages of workers at various PCKL estates would be raised from Rs 163 to Rs 265, besides the EPF and ESI benefits with a view to improve their quality of life. The incentive workers too would be provided with the same wage structure as part of the corporation new policy of ‘equal pay to equal labour’, he added. Salary revision of PCKL employees too would be made in a time-bound manner, he added.
