![Raju Bista blames tea garden owners for no-show in bonus talks Raju Bista blames tea garden owners for no-show in bonus talks](https://assets.telegraphindia.com/telegraph/2023/Sep/1695788521_raju-bista.jpg)
Raju Bista blames tea garden owners for no-show in bonus talks
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YOWAN MOTHAY, EOI, KALIMPONG, NOVEMBER 7, 2024 : The absence of the Tea Garden Owners' Association at the tripartite meeting convened by West Bengal Labour Minister Moloy Ghatak in Kolkata on Wednesday, to discuss the bonus issue of hill tea garden workers, has drawn sharp reactions from opposition leaders. BJP national spokesperson and M.P. from Darjeeling, Raju Bista, on Thursday expressed disapproval over the owners' no-show, labeling it a sign of disrespect toward Minister Ghatak. Bista criticized the tea industry owners for failing to engage with government officials, especially at a time when the rights and welfare of tea workers were of critical concern.
“This reflects not only the distrust in the West Bengal government by the tea garden owners but also disrespect for Minister Moloy Ghatak,” Bista said. “While the tea industry may have grievances, resolving these through dialogue and cooperation is the only viable path forward,” he added.
The issue of low wages and bonuses has long been contentious for tea workers in the Darjeeling hills, Terai, and Dooars regions. Many workers, who have spent decades working in tea gardens under minimal wages, are now demanding fair treatment. According to Bista, the current situation has led to widespread frustration, not only among the workers but also across the entire community.
"The insensitivity shown by both the tea garden owners and the State Government has stirred up deep resentment in the region," he remarked, urging West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to step in urgently to address the needs of the workers. Bista warned that if these issues are not taken seriously, the anger and discontent among the tea workers and the public could potentially escalate into more serious unrest. He extended his solidarity to the tea workers, voicing support for their "just and fair demands."
Former M.P. and CPI(M) leader Saman Pathak said the next tripartite meeting, now scheduled for November 16, should be held within the tea garden areas where the workers are employed, rather than in Kolkata—a request that Minister Ghatak had reportedly taken under consideration.
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