Bengal BJP eyes 'Assam model' to upgrade North Bengal tea estates

In a bid to provide an infrastructure boost to the tea estates and improve the living conditions of the tea garden workers in North Bengal, the BJP government in West Bengal has decided to follow the “Assam model” for the tea industry in the state. The initiative will reportedly commence with a visit to the neighbouring state by a delegation of Bengal BJP MLAs to study the model for tea industry management.

Bengal BJP outlines tea sector roadmap

Elaborating on the plan, State BJP president Samik Bhattacharya in Delhi told reporters on Thursday (May 21) that the ruling party in Bengal was keen on developing the tea industry in the state along the lines of Assam.

“Whatever measures have been adopted by the Assam government to improve the lives of tea garden workers will be implemented in West Bengal,” he said as quoted by The Telegraph.

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Earlier, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari made it clear that his government would follow the “Assam model” to improve the tea industry in North Bengal. The report further stated that Adhikari has instructed BJP MLAs from the tea belt to visit Assam and study the tea industry management policies implemented by the Himanta Biswa Sarma government.

MLA delegation to study Assam practices

The report, quoting BJP sources, further stated that preparations are underway for a delegation of BJP legislators from North Bengal to visit Assam as part of the state government's plan to examine measures adopted there for the tea sector and the welfare of plantation workers. The visit is expected to focus on understanding practices related to tea garden infrastructure and labour conditions.

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“There have been elaborate discussions within the party regarding the development of the tea sector in north Bengal. Accordingly, the delegation will visit Assam to examine the initiatives undertaken there for workers’ welfare and infrastructure development in tea gardens,” said a senior BJP MLA as quoted in the report.

Production and subsidy differences

People associated with the tea industry stated that the Assam model largely works through coordinated efforts between the Centre and the state government. Industry representatives pointed out that one of its key aspects is diversified tea production. While tea estates in Assam manufacture orthodox and green tea during certain periods, CTC tea production continues during the remaining months of the year.

“As green tea and orthodox tea have strong demand in international markets, producers in Assam receive subsidies and financial assistance. However, such facilities are largely unavailable to tea gardens in the Dooars and the Terai, where most estates produce only CTC tea throughout the year,” said a tea planter.

BJP MP of Alipurduar Manoj Tigga said discussions with stakeholders would follow the Assam visit.