West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced a one-time financial assistance of ₹5,000 each for 19,524 tea garden workers ahead of Diwali and Kali Puja on November 3, 2026. The announcement was made during an administrative review meeting at Uttarkanya in Siliguri, with the state government allocating ₹9.76 crore for the initiative. The assistance is intended for workers below the age of 60 associated with 21 closed, abandoned and non-operational tea gardens across North Bengal.
Adhikari said the money would be transferred directly into beneficiaries’ bank accounts before Diwali. He also indicated that the government was considering increasing the monthly rice allocation for tea garden workers from 35 kg to 50 kg, potentially from January 2027. Alongside immediate financial support, the government reiterated its commitment to reopening closed tea estates and restoring employment opportunities for affected families.
₹5,000 Direct Transfer And Additional Ration Support
Explaining the decision, Adhikari acknowledged the state’s financial constraints while announcing the assistance. “I had initially thought of providing a larger amount, but the financial condition of the state is not good. Therefore, we have decided to provide ₹5,000 each to 19,524 tea garden workers,” he said. He added that the money would reach beneficiaries’ bank accounts before the festival.
The proposed increase in monthly rice allocation is another significant measure being examined by the government. Adhikari said the enhanced allocation would cover workers from both operational and closed tea gardens. Separately, the Chief Minister’s Office indicated that arrangements had been made to provide 50 kg of rice to tea garden workers’ families for Durga Puja and Chhath Puja. The government has earmarked ₹9,76,20,000 for the one-time financial assistance, offering some immediate support to families dealing with the loss of regular employment and uncertain household incomes.
21 Closed Tea Gardens
The announcement comes amid continuing concerns over the condition of North Bengal’s tea industry, particularly in the Darjeeling hills, Terai and Dooars regions. According to reports, 21 tea gardens have remained closed since 2021, leaving thousands of workers and their families facing financial uncertainty. In October 2026, the state Cabinet had approved a special festive assistance package for workers associated with these closed estates, identifying 19,529 beneficiaries at the time. The latest announcement identifies 19,524 workers for the Diwali assistance. Beyond financial aid, Adhikari reiterated the government’s intention to reopen the 21 closed tea gardens and directed Labour Minister Arjun Singh, who attended the meeting virtually, to accelerate the process.
“You will have to ensure that the tea gardens are reopened. The Chief Minister cannot do everything alone,” Adhikari told the minister. He also asked workers to keep their job cards ready, indicating that employment opportunities would be facilitated through the Pradhan Mantri Chaa Shramik Yojana. The government also intends to bring eligible workers under the VBRAM-G employment scheme, which provides for 125 days of work at ₹300 per day. Adhikari said Samsing and a few other tea gardens had already reopened. He further claimed that 95 per cent of operational tea gardens had paid workers a 20 per cent bonus this year, compared with 16 per cent last year.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Financial assistance during the festive season can offer temporary relief to families struggling with unemployment, uncertain incomes and rising household expenses. For thousands of tea garden workers in North Bengal, ₹5,000 may help meet immediate needs and bring some reassurance during Diwali. However, a one-time payment cannot replace the security of regular employment, fair wages and access to essential services. The larger challenge lies in ensuring that closed tea gardens reopen, workers receive their rightful benefits and their families are not left dependent on periodic government assistance.
The proposed increase in rice allocation and employment opportunities must also translate into timely and accessible support on the ground. Tea garden workers are not merely part of an industry; they are the people whose generations of labour have sustained one of India’s most recognised agricultural sectors. Their dignity and economic security deserve sustained attention beyond festive announcements. Governments, tea estate owners and other stakeholders must work together through meaningful dialogue and accountable action to protect workers’ livelihoods. Do you think one-time financial assistance is enough to support tea garden workers, or should long-term employment and welfare reforms be the bigger priority?
Also Read: Suspected Blast Damages Railway Track Near Pakistan Border In Rajasthan, Train Services Disrupted
