Bengal CM announces Rs 5,000 aid for tea garden workers
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said the funds will be transferred directly 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 stated that while he initially intended to provide a higher amount, the state's financial condition prevented it. He also said the government is examining a proposal to increase the monthly rice allotment for workers in both operational and closed tea gardens from 35 kg to 50 kg, which could begin in January.
Adhikari said efforts are underway to reopen 21 tea gardens that shut down during the previous government to provide employment. He directed Labour Minister Arjun Singh to expedite the reopening of these gardens and noted that work under the Pradhan Mantri Chaa Shramik Yojana will start soon.
The Chief Minister 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.
Additionally, Adhikari instructed district magistrates to list eligible individuals for the Annapurna scheme, which provides Rs 3,000 per month, and noted that eligible elderly people will 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.