Move to insure 150-year-old Secretariat complex

Thiruvananthapuram: In a move to ensure protection of the 150-year-old Kerala Secretariat complex,  the state government has initiated steps to take insurance for the structures along with the assets in it. Discussions have already been held with the State Insurance Department to insure the entire historical structure which has three blocks. According to sources, the Public Works Department (PWD) has already launched a survey to evaluate the value of the assets and the structures.

"PWD has started the evaluation of the assets and the structures. They will finish the process within two to three months. The report will be submitted to the State Insurance Department to decide the premium of the insurance.

We are hoping to take the insurance this financial year itself. However, if the premium amount is huge the government may postpone it to the next financial year as the state is in deep financial crisis," said the official.  The official said that the proposal has been long pending.

The Central block is the oldest structure and houses offices of various departments. The North Block and South Block were constructed on either side of the central block.