Labour Department Announces Rs 1,500 Financial Relief for Tea Garden Workers in North Bengal

MP, Jalpaiguri, Nov 9, 2025 : More than a month after devastating floods disrupted operations in several tea gardens across North Bengal, the state’s Labour Department has rolled out financial assistance for affected workers. The aid, provided under the state’s Financial Assistance to Workers of Locked Out Industries (FAWLOI) scheme, aims to support workers whose livelihoods were severely impacted by the natural disaster.

According to an official notification, 1,164 workers from Bamandanga Tea Estate and 1,257 workers from Subhashini Tea Estate will receive a monthly allowance of Rs 1,500 until normal conditions are restored. The scheme officially came into effect on November 5, with payments expected to be credited to the workers' bank accounts by December 5, 2025.

Jalpaiguri Deputy Labour Commissioner Shubhagata Gupta confirmed the disbursement of funds, stating, “It has been a month since the unfortunate natural disaster of October 5. As per the new government guidelines, the workers will receive the allowance starting from November 5, and by December 5, Rs 1,500 will be credited to each worker’s account as part of the FAWLOI scheme.”

The floods, which took place on October 5, caused widespread damage to tea estates in the region, leaving many workers without jobs. Surjit Ganguly, manager of Bamandanga-Tondoo Tea Estate, said it would take more time for the estate to recover from the disaster. He added, “We have already informed the Labour Department in writing about the overall problems faced by the estate. According to government rules, the workers will receive the allowance, which will provide them with some relief.”

Since the floods, workers from both Bamandanga-Tondoo and Subhashini Tea Estates have received relief materials from various government and private agencies. However, with no cash flow, many workers have been struggling to cover their daily household expenses. Tea unions have welcomed the government's move, expressing that the allowance will provide some immediate financial relief.

Nakul Sonar, chairman of the Trinamool Cha Bagan Sramik Union, commented on the decision, stating, “The damage caused by the disaster is beyond calculation, but this support will bring some relief. Under the new government rule, 1,164 workers of Bamandanga and 1,257 workers of Subhashini Tea Estate will receive Rs 1,500 per month under FAWLOI, which will help workers overcome their immediate financial hardship.”

The announcement of the allowance is expected to provide a much-needed cushion to the affected workers as they continue to grapple with the aftermath of the floods.