Bonus Dispute Triggers Protests in Dooars Tea Gardens, Over 1,000 Workers Affected

MP, 28 Sept 2025, Jalpaiguri/Alipurduar: Protests have erupted in two tea gardens in the Dooars region over unresolved bonus disputes, with workers accusing police of using force to quell the demonstrations. In one incident, the tea garden owner and management reportedly abandoned the estate, leaving 1,340 workers in distress just one day before Puja celebrations.

At Nageshwari Tea Garden, following consecutive gate meetings and nearly 23 hours of road blockades, workers began receiving their bonus at a 10 percent rate in cash starting Sunday morning, under tight police supervision. Initially, the turnout was small, but the crowd grew as workers continued their protest. Earlier, workers had blocked the Chalsa-Meteli state road on Friday and Saturday, demanding a 20 percent bonus. The protest finally ended around 5:30 PM on Saturday.

During the agitation, there were accusations that police had resorted to a lathi-charge on the workers, although officials denied these claims. Alipurduar Lok Sabha MP Manoj Tigga and Nagrakata MLA Puna Vengra joined the workers in solidarity during the protest.

The Nageshwari Tea Garden, part of Conference Tea & Beverage Private Limited, had announced on September 20 that a 10 percent bonus would be paid before Puja, with 5 percent due by December 31 and the remaining 5 percent during the Faguwa festival. This proposal angered workers, who had been expecting a higher bonus.

District Superintendent of Police, Umesh Ganpath, stated: “The management presented a new bonus proposal, which was accepted by most workers. Some outsiders disrupted the process, but the workers later lifted the blockade peacefully. Bonus distribution began successfully. Allegations of police lathi-charge are baseless.”

Meanwhile, the sudden closure of Chinchula Tea Garden in Alipurduar district has further fueled worker anger. On Saturday, workers blocked Kalchini Chowpathi road, creating widespread commotion. Worker Bindu Lama voiced the concerns of many, stating: “The Chief Minister announced a 20 percent bonus, and the management promised two installments. Abandoning workers at the last moment is unjust. We were ready to accept installments, but the management deceived us. Now, we worry about celebrating Puja and providing new clothes for our children.”

District Labour Commissioner Gopal Biswas commented: “A tripartite meeting was called, but it failed due to the management’s absence. The office will remain closed for Puja, and the meeting will be rescheduled after the festival.”