New forum to fight for tea workers

Prof. Mahendra P lama at the Convention.
Photo: Rupesh Sharma

TT, Siliguri, Nov. 23: A forum comprising representatives of different sections of the society was formed here today to work for the welfare of tea garden workers in north Bengal.

The Chaay Bagan Sangram Samity, which is not patronised by any political party, was launched at a convention at Mangal Maity Bhavan, on the outskirts of Siliguri.

Sukhman Moktan, a social worker, took the initiative to launch the forum.

"Workers of tea gardens are deprived of their rights for years and there have been frequent deaths in the plantations of the Duncans Goenka Group recently. The workers are not getting minimum wages; hardly any medical facilities are available in gardens and there are no electricity and proper housing. Considering the deplorable condition of workers, we have decided to form a common platform that comprises representatives of intellectuals, social workers, human rights organisations, media and different other sections of the society. They will all raise their voice for tea garden labourers," said Moktan, who is the convener of the convention.

The forum also formed a 16-member advisory committee and a 14-member steering committee which will launch movements in Calcutta and Delhi to demand welfare measures for the labourers.

Govind Chhetri, the spokesperson for the CPRM, and Mahendra P. Lama, the former vice-chancellor of Sikkim University, were among those who took part in the convention.