Tea Workers in Bengal needs Redress

Tea is India’s heritage. We don’t just wake up to our morning cup of tea, we are proud that all over the world that morning cup is very often Indian tea.

Today, tragedy envelopes Indian tea. As you sip, workers at the estates that produce the world famous Darjeeling tea are eking out an existence without adequate food or water, exposed to disease and malnutrition, robbed of basic amenities, healthcare, education or even a secure livelihood. The number of sick tea gardens increases with every year. Some have shut down due to insolvency and labour problems in the Dooars region of West Bengal. Owners have deserted their workers. New generation entrepreneurs have not taken interest in the revival of the plantation sector.

Recent fact-finding missions organised by the Save the Garden, Save Workers Campaign Against Hunger have revealed that the closed and sick tea gardens of Jalpaiguri district have reported starvation deaths due to unemployment, absence of alternatives and limited access to welfare measures. To counter starvation, women and children are being coerced into exploitative forms of work. The complete absence of human rights has led to suicide attempts and trafficking of children. Despite eyewitness and ngo reports, and government awareness, there is no concrete attempt to prevent human trafficking, or to provide protection for the elderly, sick and disabled; no attempt to provide basic amenities. Bigha workers are paid a meagre Rs 15-20 daily wage. In 21st century India, workers are mauled by wild animals near their huts. Their lives and future are paralysed by lawlessness and the absence of redressal forums.

The State’s apathy can be seen in the complete breakdown of government schemes, the denial of the rapidly deteriorating situation and the lack of relief measures from the state government. Most workers in the closed estates have not received their provident fund, gratuity and retirement benefits. Social security measures and rehabilitation packages are not forthcoming from the Central labour ministry for workers with no income. Everyone seems to have washed their hands of the workers — the owners, the government, the health authorities.

When Save the Garden arranged for several teams to visit Jalpaiguri district, the prevalent conditions there appalled all. How many reasons do we need to recognise the gravity of the situation? Isn’t the existing reality valid enough for someone to take note of the complete breakdown of socio-economic conditions and recognise a crisis? Or are we ready to witness another Kalahandi in Jalpaiguri?

By Sreerupa Chowdhury
Chowdhury is national convenor of the Save the Garden, Save Workers Campaign Against Hunger .
Source: Tehelka