Labor welfare programs in the tea estates of Jalpaiguri district, West Bengal, are multifaceted, aiming to address various socio-economic challenges faced by workers. Here's an overview of key initiatives:
🏠 Housing and Infrastructure Support
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Cha Sundari Scheme: Launched by the West Bengal government, this initiative provides housing to workers in sick and closed tea estates. In the first phase, 3,694 houses were constructed in North Bengal, including Jalpaiguri
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West Bengal Tea Plantation Employees' Welfare Fund: Established under the West Bengal Tea Plantation Employees' Welfare Fund Act, 2015, this fund offers soft loans to tea garden managements for implementing welfare schemes such as medical facilities, housing, primary education, potable water supply, sanitation, and child care.
🏥 Health and Social Welfare
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Labour Welfare Centres: The state operates several Labour Welfare Centres in the region, including in Bagdogra, Kiranchandra, and Ging Bazar. These centres offer medical, recreational, and cultural facilities to workers.
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West Bengal Migrant Workers Welfare Scheme (2023): This scheme provides benefits to migrant workers, including those in tea gardens, addressing challenges like access to healthcare, education, and social security.
📚 Education and Child Welfare
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Child Leadership Initiatives: On World Anti-Trafficking Day, children from Jalpaiguri tea gardens, such as Rishika Sabar from Ghatia Tea Garden, took over leadership roles in the West Bengal Commission for Protection of Child Rights. They advocated for better education, school transport, and improved infrastructure.
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Crèches and Educational Facilities: Under the Plantation Labour Act, provisions exist for establishing crèches and educational facilities for the children of tea garden workers, aiming to improve child welfare and education.
💰 Financial Assistance and Bonuses
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Financial Assistance to Workers of Closed Tea Gardens: The West Bengal government provides financial assistance to workers of closed tea gardens, effective three months from the date of closure, to support their livelihood during periods of unemployment.
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Bonus Announcements: In August 2025, the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration announced a 20% bonus for tea garden workers in Darjeeling, Terai, Dooars, Kalimpong, and Kurseong for the financial year 2024-25.
⚠️ Challenges and Advocacy
Despite these initiatives, workers face ongoing challenges, including low wages, inadequate housing, and limited access to land rights. The Chaa Sundari Scheme addresses housing needs but does not provide land ownership, a long-standing demand among workers. Additionally, issues such as human-wildlife conflict and food insecurity persist in some areas.
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