Urgent Bonus Disbursement for West Bengal Tea Garden Workers

The West Bengal Labour department has issued an advisory to distribute bonuses at 16% to tea garden workers in Darjeeling, Kurseong, and Kalimpong for the fiscal year 2023-24. This move aims to align with bonus rates in other regions and address labor unrest. The government urges timely payments to ensure workers' welfare.

The West Bengal Labour department on Tuesday mandated a 16% bonus disbursement for tea garden workers in Darjeeling, Kurseong, and Kalimpong for fiscal 2023-24.

The advisory aims to maintain consistency in bonus payments across the state's tea industry, as North Bengal gardens have already started to disburse bonuses at 16%.

The government stressed the urgent need for timely payments with upcoming festivals, urging management and unions to resolve issues to prevent worker deprivation.

(With inputs from agencies.)