Wages delayed in north Bengal tea gardens by weeks

Workers in four tea gardens in north Bengal are experiencing delays in their wages, which are now late by five to six weeks. The Ministry of Commerce confirmed this issue in a response to a parliamentary question. The delays are caused by financial problems at Andrew Yule and Company Limited, which manages these tea estates. The company is working to resolve the situation by improving productivity and revenue. Trinamool Congress MP Ritabrata Banerjee raised concerns about these delays, emphasizing the ongoing struggles of tea garden workers who are vital to the local economy. Trade unions and political leaders have been pushing for better financial security and working conditions for these laborers, who have faced long-standing neglect. In addition to wage issues, protests are ongoing over a state proposal that would allow 30% of tea garden land to be used for tourism. Various tea garden unions protested this plan, seeking to protect their land and demand permanent land rights for workers. They argue that this policy threatens their livelihoods and the integrity of tea gardens. Union leader Kirsen Kharia stated that they want the state government to withdraw the Tea Tourism and Allied Business Policy 2025. They are also asking for land rights to be granted to all tea garden workers based on established practices. In response, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has stated there will be no compromises regarding tea plantations. She clarified that any additional land without tea bushes could be used for commercial activities to support local employment and tourism.