Bengal CM Adhikari announces Rs 313.30 crore special assistance package for tea garden workers
Kolkata, July 5
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Sunday announced a Rs 313.30 crore special assistance package for tea garden workers in the state, mainly concentrated in the plains and hills in North Bengal.
In a statement issued by CM Adhikari in the morning, he claimed that a state-level committee had finalised the implementation plan for the 'Pradhan Mantri Cha Shramik Protsahan Yojana' (PMCSPY) scheme in West Bengal with a total financial allocation of Rs 313.30 crore with the aim of transforming the livelihood of the tea garden workers in the state.
"We are committed to the comprehensive welfare, development of health and educational parameters of our hardworking Tea Garden Workers of North Bengal," the Chief Minister said in the statement.
The Chief Minister has also provided details of the total financial allocation of Rs 313.30 crore and information on the different heads the allotted money would be spent on.
In his statement, the Chief Minister has outlined that with a focus on boosting educational infrastructure and quality interventions for the families of tea garden workers, Rs 177 crore has been allotted for that purpose.
At the same time, the CM Adhikari added that a Rs 72 crore investment has been allotted to upgrade health facilities and ensure robust medical services in the tea garden areas.
The Chief Minister has informed that Rs 63 crore has been allotted to build 321 resting sheds, out of which 88 will be in the hills and the remaining 233 in the plains.
"These sheds will be equipped with modern, dignified amenities including off-grid solar power, clean drinking water, comfortable seating arrangements and hygienic ceramic-floored toilets," the Chief Minister added.
He also informed that the said assistance package scheme will be operated under the supervision of the state North Bengal Development Department NBDD), which will be the executing agency for the project.
"The NBDD will work closely with the State Health Department, the Paschim Banga Samagra Siksha Mission and District Administrations to roll this scheme out smoothly. Our government remains steadfast in its dedication to the prosperity and well-being of the tea garden workers," the Chief Minister added.
— IANS
Reader Comments
While this is a welcome step, I wonder why it took so long? Tea garden workers in Dooars and Terai regions have been living in pathetic conditions for generations. The education focus (Rs 177 crore) is nice, but what about their immediate housing and wage issues? Actions speak louder than press releases, CM sahab. 🍵
Big move for Bengal's tea sector! The 321 resting sheds with off-grid solar and clean drinking water is exactly what our workers need. I've seen the conditions in some gardens near Siliguri - this is a game changer if executed properly. Hope the NBDD coordinates well with district administrations. Jai Bangla! 🙌
Impressive allocation! As someone who studied development economics, it's good to see health (Rs 72 crore) and education being prioritized for such vulnerable communities. The focus on infrastructure with dignity - like ceramic-floored toilets - shows thoughtful design. Hope this becomes a model for other states with tea plantations. ☕
I appreciate the announcement but let's be honest - tea garden workers have been promised development schemes before. The devil is in the details. Rs 313 crore sounds big, but dividing it among thousands of families across hills and plains... will each worker actually feel the benefit? Need transparency on how this money reaches the bottom. 🤔
Great to see the focus on educational infrastructure - our tea garden workers' children deserve better schools and opportunities. The Rs 177 crore allocation can help break the cycle of poverty if used wisely. And those resting sheds with clean facilities?
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