TMC will raise tea garden workers’ wages to 300 a day, says Abhishek
Times of India | 4 January 2026
Kolkata: The Mamata Banerjee govt will ensure that the daily wages of tea garden workers are increased to Rs 300 per day within a month of coming to office in 2026, Trinamool Congress national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee said on Saturday as he directly addressed queries at an Alipurduar public meeting.
The state govt would also make all public health centres (PHCs) operational and set up 90-95 crèches so that young mothers do not work in tea gardens with children tied to their back, he added.
Banerjee's meeting in Alipurduar — a tribal-dominated district where TMC has been consistently bleeding — included a session where he took questions on stage directly from the people. Ranging from queries relating to the Special Intensive Revision to non-payment of EPF dues, less wages and non-payment by garden owners, lack of healthcare facilities and absence of land deeds, Banerjee addressed all patiently, even admitting delays but promising help.
"Ten years ago, in 2016, PM Narendra Modi came here and promised that the Centre would take over and run the tea gardens. They only issued a notification, which was later withdrawn," he said.
To put things in contrast, Banerjee argued: "In 2021, we could not win even a single assembly seat among the five in Alipurduar. But no development work was halted. Since 2021, our govt has spent Rs 5 crore per constituency every month under Lakshmir Bhandar. This means around Rs 25 crore every month, which amounts to Rs 300 crore in a year. Over five years, the govt has spent Rs1,500 crore to provide Lakshmir Bhandar funds to women in Alipurduar."
"Here, both the MLA and MP are from BJP. BJP won in 2019, 2021 and 2024 from this area. Go and ask them what they have done for people of this district. On issues like tea garden workers' EPF, drinking water and daily wage problems, has any BJP MP or MLA written even a single letter to the Centre? EPF is not deposited. Has any BJP MP raised this in Parliament?" he asked.
"What is the govt doing to increase our wages?" asked Kumargram resident Rajesh Oraon. "Living conditions are also not good, there are medical-related problems, and there is no ambulance facility in remote tea gardens. We have to travel 40–42 kms to Alipurduar and hire an ambulance at our own expense. There are also problems with water supply and difficulties in accessing schools and education," he added.
Banerjee replied: "Keep one thing in mind: 14 years ago, in 2011, when our govt came to office for the first time, the daily wage of a tea garden worker was Rs 67, and even after a lot of struggle it used to increase by only Rs 2–3. Over the last 14 years, this has increased to Rs 250. I agree that it is not possible to run a household on Rs 250 as prices of essential goods have increased significantly. What I can promise is that in the coming 3–4 months, when Didi forms govt for the fourth time, my first priority will be Alipurduar. Within one month, I will come here myself or send a senior representative. A tripartite meeting will be held between govt representatives, labour union representatives and tea garden management. I will ensure that your daily wage is increased to Rs 300 per day. This would be implemented within 7 days. Didi had promised to purchase buses for school-going children. From day after tomorrow, five buses will start operating in Alipurduar."
Sangita Oraon, a Kohinoor Tea Garden worker, asked Banerjee about her sister-in-law's ordeal carrying her toddler to work.
Banerjee replied: "All public health centres and crèches will be made fully functional within the next two years. The govt will also provide an assistance of Rs 1 lakh per month for this. Around 90–95 crèches were planned, of which 34 are operational. The remaining ones will be made operational with nurses and staff within two years — possibly within six months. I understand how difficult it is to carry a small child on your back and pluck tea leaves."