Deb to study tea industry

TT, Siliguri, July 5: State tourism minister Gautam Deb today said he would speak to the stakeholders of the tea industry and administrative officials and prepare a comprehensive report on the sector along with the problems that need to be addressed at different levels.

Deb was appointed as the chairman of the tea directorate in May this year.

"Four officers will be deputed to inspect all tea gardens in the state and collect information on production of a tea garden, its areas, condition of the workers, whether they are receiving benefits of different welfare schemes, status of drinking water supply, health and education," he said.

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Representatives of the tea trade unions have evoked a mixed reaction.

"The principal issue that needs to be addressed is fixation and implementation of minimum wages for tea workers. The state labour department has taken some steps but we doubt whether the directorate will intervene into it," a senior union leader said.