Bengal CM announces Rs 5,000 aid for tea garden workers
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said the one-time assistance will be transferred to bank accounts before Diwali.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced on Tuesday that 19,524 tea garden workers will receive a one-time payment of Rs 5,000 each before Diwali and Kali Puja. Speaking at an administrative review meeting in Uttarkanya, Adhikari said the total expenditure for this assistance would be Rs 9.76 crore, with funds transferred directly to beneficiaries' bank accounts, according to reports by Telegraph India and The Economic Times.
The Chief Minister noted that while he originally intended to provide a higher amount, the state's financial condition prevented it. Adhikari also stated the government is reviewing a proposal to raise the monthly rice allotment for workers from 35 kg to 50 kg, which could begin in January for those in both operational and closed gardens.
Regarding the industry, Adhikari said efforts are underway to reopen 21 tea gardens that closed during the previous government. He directed Labour Minister Arjun Singh to expedite this process and mentioned that work under the Pradhan Mantri Chaa Shramik Yojana would start soon.
Adhikari urged workers to keep job cards ready for the VBRAM-G scheme, which offers 125 days of work at Rs 300 per day. He also claimed that 95 per cent of operational gardens have paid a 20 per cent bonus this year, compared to 16 per cent last year.
The Chief Minister further instructed district magistrates to identify people for the Annapurna scheme, which provides Rs 3,000 per month, and noted that eligible elderly citizens would receive a monthly pension of Rs 1,500. He also mentioned that the foundation stone for a medical college in Kalimpong may be laid on December 9.