Tea garden workers flee to other states for a living

Phoolmani Oraon lives with her son at Bagarakote estate, while her
husband and daughter work in other states. (TOI photo)

Jayanta Gupta,TNN | Nov 24, 2015, Malbazar/Matialli: With tea estates in north Bengal shutting down or facing closure, hundreds of workers and their families are leaving for states as far as Tamil Nadu and Kerala for a living. Even if they are exploited there, they dare not return to a life of starvation. 

"My husband works as a sweeper in a school in Chennai. My 20-year-old daughter works at a hotel in Purnea in Bihar. My 18-year-old son gave up his studies two years ago and now lifts boulders onto trucks at the nearby riverbed. What other options do they have? They have no future here. We aren't receiving garden rations. After our plight was reported, some medicines were sent to the garden hospital but there is nowhere to go in case of emergencies," said Phoolmani Oraon of Bagrakote Tea Estate. She pointed at her ramshackle shanty that was probably built during the British era. "Take a look inside. I have nothing. On most days, there isn't sufficient to eat. I worry for my husband and daughter but such is life. At least, I have my son by my side. Many people are forced to stay alone," Phoolmani added. 

A few homes away, Sabita Kindwar's family was seen performing her last rites. Other workers had contributed money so that the service could be conducted. 

Even those who had worked at the gardens for decades stare at an uncertain future. "Many have left in search of jobs. I would have gone as well had I not been a permanent worker at the garden where I lived for 34 years. A lot of money is due to me. I don't even know if I would even receive my PF," said Pushpa Biswakarma. 

At the Nagaisuree Tea Estate, Yogita Lohar demanded to know why the owners were not selling off the garden. "Those who have gone to other states looking for jobs are scared they would not be considered if arrears were paid. They keep returning from time to time to check but that affects their earnings," she said. 

The workers fear the scene might get even worse during the lean season. "Unlike in some gardens, workers here aren't allowed to sell leaves outside. There is no drinking water. There has been no word on PF or insurance dues. Many have died but their families haven't received any money. As many as 68 garden rations are due. Nearly 40% workers have left for other states where they are exploited but they can't return. Most workers had invested in chit funds that have now shut down. Their savings are gone. Nobody cares about our plight," said Kishnu Mahali, a Nagaisuree worker.