New labour codes bring major boost for north Bengal’s tea and cinchona workers
The Statesman | 23 November 2025
In a major development for workers across north Bengal’s tea and cinchona plantations, the Centre on Friday implemented the long-awaited Four Labour Codes, marking the biggest overhaul of India’s labour framework in decades. The move—expected to significantly impact the livelihoods of thousands of plantation workers in the Darjeeling hills, Terai and Dooars—has been welcomed by Darjeeling MP Raju Bista, who termed it a “landmark decision” for the region.
Describing the reform as transformative for sectors historically governed by colonial-era legislation, Mr Bista said the new Codes would replace 29 outdated labour laws, including the Plantation Labour Act of 1951, and introduce a simplified, transparent and worker-centric framework.
“These laws were passed in Parliament in 2019 and 2020 but their implementation was delayed because some states, including West Bengal, did not frame the necessary rules on time,” the MP said.
He added that the new Codes—Code on Wages, Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, Industrial Relations Code, and the Code on Social Security—would modernise labour governance across India and finally address long-standing concerns of plantation workers.
According to industry sources, the previous labour rules—some dating back to the British era—have often been cited as barriers to the growth of India’s manufacturing sector, which contributes less than one-fifth to the country’s nearly USD 4 trillion economy. The new codes aim to streamline compliance while strengthening protections for workers.
For tea and cinchona workers of north Bengal, the reforms promise substantial benefits.
The Code on Wages ensures statutory minimum wages and introduces a National Floor Wage, preventing any worker from receiving wages below minimum living standards. It also guarantees timely payment of wages.
Under the Occupational Safety and Social Security provisions, workers above 40 will receive free annual health check-ups, while expanded social-security coverage will now include PF, insurance and ESIC benefits. Mandatory appointment letters and improved workplace safety norms are also part of the framework.
Importantly, women workers—who form a significant proportion of the tea labour force—will now have equal opportunities, legal protection against discrimination, and regulated provisions for night shifts, ensuring safer working environments across plantations, factories, MSMEs and service sectors.
The codes extend protection to gig and platform workers, contract labourers, MSME employees, migrant workers and youth entering the workforce, widening the social-security net beyond traditional industries. Simplified compliance norms, such as single registration and licensing, are also expected to boost local industries in north Bengal by reducing bureaucratic hurdles and encouraging investment.
Calling it a milestone in India’s labour reforms, Mr Bista said the new codes recognise “the contribution of every worker—from our tea gardens to our emerging industrial sectors” and reaffirm the government’s commitment to building a fair, modern workforce.