Opposition’s criticism of ULCCS is an attempt to revive past corruption: Thomas Isaac

Former Kerala Finance Minister Thomas Isaac has claimed that the opposition’s intense criticism of the Uralungal Labour Contract Cooperative Society (ULCCS) is a deliberate attempt to revive the anarchy and corruption that once plagued the state’s public works sector.

In a statement shared on social media, Isaac asserted that KIIFB (Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board) projects have remained transparent, with the opposition failing to substantiate any allegations of corruption to date. He argued that ULCCS, in partnership with KIIFB, has established new quality standards for public works in Kerala, which many prominent contractors have accepted. However, he claimed a specific group of contractors, allegedly coordinated by those associated with the Indian Union Muslim League, is spreading false propaganda against the society, now joined by Congress leaders.

Addressing the controversy, Isaac noted that over the past decade, tenders worth approximately ₹1.5 lakh crore have been floated in Kerala. He pointed out that the shortage of qualified contractors in the state often forces large projects to go to corporate companies that then subcontract the work. In contrast, ULCCS undertakes projects directly, which he suggested frustrates those who benefited from the “old system” of corruption.

Isaac also defended the structure of ULCCS, highlighting its unique cooperative model where only workers are members and occupy positions on the board of directors, unlike other cooperatives often managed by external political figures. He highlighted the society’s significant growth, which he attributed to modern management, technology, and financial reforms, noting that they have even successfully competed for national highway tenders.

Furthermore, the former minister clarified that ULCCS was granted accredited status to take on projects without tenders under the Oommen Chandy-led UDF government in 2015. The LDF government, he noted, has merely increased the scope of these orders. He emphasized that accredited agencies must follow established schedules of rates for estimates and that KIIFB does not assign work directly without transparent procedures.

Isaac concluded by dismissing accusations from Congress leaders like K.C. Venugopal, who have threatened to “rectify” the society if they come to power. He pointed to the numerous international accolades received by ULCCS, including recognition from the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) and the UNDP, as evidence of its excellence. He described the opposition’s stance toward the society as a reflection of their overall negative approach to development in the state.