CM Announces Special Festival Relief Package for Workers of Closed Tea Gardens in North Bengal
CM Announces Special Festival Relief Package for Workers of Closed Tea Gardens in North Bengal
Government Announces ₹5,000 Financial Assistance, 50 Kg Free Rice and Plans to Reopen 10–12 Closed Tea Gardens
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Tuesday announced a special festival relief package and several welfare initiatives for workers affected by the closure of tea gardens across North Bengal. The announcements were made at Uttarkanya in Siliguri following decisions taken at a Cabinet meeting.
The primary objective is to provide financial support to thousands of families who have been struggling due to the closure of 21 tea gardens in the region.
₹5,000 Festival Assistance for Eligible Workers
As part of the special festive package, the state government has approved a one-time financial assistance of ₹5,000 for approximately 19,524 eligible tea garden workers below the age of 60. The amount is being transferred directly to their bank accounts through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
Since workers of closed tea gardens have been unable to receive their regular festival bonuses, the government has decided to provide this amount as special festive assistance.
50 Kg Additional Free Rice
Affected families will also receive an additional 50 kg of rice free of cost, over and above their regular monthly entitlement of 35 kg. The initiative aims to provide additional support to families during the festive season, from Durga Puja to Diwali and Chhath Puja.
₹313.30 Crore for Welfare and Development
Apart from the festival relief package, the Chief Minister approved welfare initiatives worth more than ₹313.30 crore for the overall socio-economic development of tea garden workers.
The major allocations include:
- Tea Workers' Education Scheme: ₹177 crore has been allocated to improve educational opportunities and secure a better future for the children of tea garden workers.
- Tea Workers' Health Protection Scheme (CSSSY): ₹72 crore has been sanctioned to modernise healthcare infrastructure and improve medical facilities in tea garden areas.
- Tea Workers' Shelter Scheme (CSAY): ₹63 crore has been allocated for the construction of 321 modern rest houses equipped with solar power facilities in the hills and plains.
Plan to Reopen 10–12 Closed Tea Gardens
Addressing the long-standing crisis in the tea industry, the Chief Minister also reiterated the state government's commitment to finding a permanent solution to the problem of closed tea gardens.
The government aims to reopen 10–12 closed tea gardens in a phased manner over the next two to three months. The initiative is expected to restore employment opportunities and provide long-term livelihood security to affected workers and their families.
