West Bengal: In a significant relief measure ahead of the festive season, the West Bengal government has approved financial assistance and additional food support for workers affected by the closure of tea gardens across the Darjeeling Hills, Terai and Dooars.
The announcement was welcomed by Raju Bista, Member of Parliament from Darjeeling and National Spokesperson of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), who expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari for approving the special package.
In a press release issued by his office on October 15, Bista said the initiative would provide much-needed assistance to tea garden families struggling with financial uncertainty.
Under the approved package, eligible workers below the age of 60 from closed tea gardens will receive a one-time financial assistance of ₹5,000 directly into their bank accounts.
According to the press release, the financial benefit is intended to reach 19,524 workers. The initiative aims to support families who have been facing economic difficulties following the closure of their workplaces.
Alongside the cash assistance, each eligible family will receive an additional 50 kg of rice beyond the existing 35-kg quota.
The additional food support is intended to ease household expenses and help affected families meet their essential needs during the festive period.
The package comes as several tea garden communities in North Bengal continue to face livelihood challenges due to prolonged closures and the resulting loss of regular employment.
Bista also highlighted the state government's efforts to restore operations at closed tea gardens. Expressing optimism about the ongoing initiatives, he said he hoped all the affected gardens would become operational by around the same time next year.
The reopening of these gardens would be an important step towards restoring employment opportunities and improving the financial stability of tea garden workers and their families.
Tea garden workers remain central to the economy, culture and heritage of the Darjeeling Hills, Terai and Dooars. Their contribution to the region's tea industry has long supported local livelihoods and communities.
Welcoming the government's decision, Bista emphasised the importance of standing by workers during periods of hardship. He also thanked the Chief Minister for approving the relief package and extending assistance to families in need.
