Workers of several tea gardens operated by the Merico Group on Monday began a sit-in protest in front of the office of the Assistant Labour Commissioner at Birpara in Alipurduar district, alleging prolonged non-payment of wages and widespread violations of labour laws.
A high-level meeting on agri voltaics in tea gardens was held in the city.
The tea industry in Assam and West Bengal is grappling with a severe greenfly infestation, which has emerged as a major agronomic threat over the past two years, significantly impacting tea yield and quality.
Tea estates can now use up to five percent of their land for oil palm cultivation while receiving financial assistance through NMEO-OP.
Even though winter is still far away, the Tea Board of India has already revealed the official dates for harvesting and preparing tea in 2024.
He said that the tea industry is gasping but heavyweight Trinamul Congress' leaders are taking dadan (loan) to revive them but ultimately those are collapsing.
Modi: Congress allied with parties that are danger to Assam's culture,heritage
According to Mr Bista, who is also the BJP’s national spokesperson and a member of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Labour and Employment, it was sad that the highly skilled tea garden workers are today paid wages much lower than what is being paid to unskilled workers in the state.
A decision to this effect was taken in their party meeting held at Soureni in Mirik yesterday. Some of the important issues the party would take up include the parja-patta (land rights documents) and Block bifurcation.
"The water started entering the areas after the lock gate of the Teesta barrage was opened at 3 am," Mr Sarkar said.
