DMK MP A Raja has said that the loss-making TANTEA will not be shut down amid fears among the employees over rumours that it is being shut down.
The Nilgiris: With some people spreading rumours that TANTEA estates are running at a loss and the factory is being shut down, the workers were scared.
Forest Minister K Ramachandran and Nilgiris Lok Sabha member A Raja chaired a meeting at the Tamil Nadu Guest House at Ooty in the Nilgiris district and attended by union leaders and top government officials.
DMK MP A Raja told reporters after the meeting, “TANTEA will never be closed down. There has been a controversy over the eviction of the retired labourers, who are currently living in the TANTEA quarters.
The government never had any intention of expelling them. The government has taken steps to construct quarters for the retired workers on behalf of the government.
A study will be conducted by private institutional appraisal experts to rehabilitate the TANTEA and a report for the rehabilitation of the factory will be submitted to the Government of Tamil Nadu.
Subsequently, TANTEA has been restructured by allocating funds for the same and steps are being taken to recruit additional tea garden workers. This is what he said.
Principal, Chief Conservator of Forests Syed Mujimil Abbas, Nilgiris District Collector SP Amrit, Mudumalai Tiger Reserve Field Director Venkatesh and department officials were present at the meeting.