Locked out tea garden workers receive aid

More than 2,500 workers of Kalchini and Raimatang tea estates today received Rs 2,750 each under the Financial Assistance for Workers of Locked Out Industry scheme.

The funds had been pending since March. Initially the amount was Rs 500 per month. From April, the allowance was increased to Rs 750. Both the gardens have been closed since February 2006 and the workers became eligible for assistance from March this year.

Shavik Lama, a worker of Kalchini tea estate, said though they were happy about the allowance, it was not a permanent solution. “We want the garden to open as it is only then that we will get benefits like electricity, ration and, of course, regular wages.”

Source: The Telegraph