Darjeeling MP seeks Finance Minister’s intervention for tea garden workers’ welfare scheme

GANGTOK, : Darjeeling MP Raju Bista on Friday met Union Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi and congratulated her on becoming the first Finance minister to have presented nine consecutive Union budgets.

At the meeting, Bista discussed various issues confronting Darjeeling region, particularly focusing on the livelihoods and welfare of thousands of tea garden workers in West Bengal. He submitted a formal request seeking the Union Finance minister’s immediate intervention to ensure the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Cha Shramik Protsahan Yojana (PMCSPY) in West Bengal.

The PMCSPY was announced by the Government of India in the Union Budget 2021-22, with an allocation of Rs. 1,000 crore specifically earmarked for the welfare of tea workers. This funding is intended to enhance education and healthcare services for tea garden workers and their children during the fiscal years 2024-25 and 2025-26.

While the Government of Assam has successfully completed the necessary formalities and utilized these funds to benefit its tea workers, the Government of West Bengal has unfortunately not availed itself of this centrally sponsored scheme, said the Darjeeling MP.

This administrative delay has resulted in lakhs of tea workers in West Bengal being deprived of their rightful benefits, exacerbating the economic and social hardships faced by these already vulnerable communities, said Bista.

“I am deeply committed to the well-being of these hardworking individuals, who form the backbone of India's tea industry yet endure extreme vulnerabilities. The Union minister's timely intervention could transform the lives of thousands of families, providing them with the long-awaited support they deserve. I remain most hopeful that this request will be considered favorably, ensuring that no worker is left behind due to bureaucratic hurdles,” said the Darjeeling MP in a media statement.