Archive · 28 Jul 2025
Darjeeling Tea Workers Struggle Amidst Industry Challenges
Workers who grow Darjeeling tea, known for its quality, are struggling.
They aren't getting paid much or on time, and their retirement funds are missing.
Climate change and competition from Nepal are hurting the tea business.
Some tea companies are trying new things, like involving workers more.
But some landowners are using the land for hotels, which some workers feel hasn't improved things.
The workers' children are leaving to find jobs elsewhere.
Government rules aren't always followed, and the tea industry needs new ways to help the workers.
Darjeeling tea workers face low wages, delayed payments, and poor working conditions.
Tea production in Darjeeling has declined due to climate change and competition from Nepal.
The West Bengal government increased the portion of tea garden land for non-tea businesses.
Some workers' children migrate for better jobs due to limited opportunities and low pay.
Proposed solutions include worker stakeholder models and direct-to-consumer sales to revive the industry.
- Who
- Darjeeling tea workers, estate owners, and the West Bengal government.
- What
- Darjeeling tea workers face challenges including low pay and poor working conditions, with the tea industry facing declines due to climate change and competition.
- When
- Workers have faced wage issues for five to seven months.
- Where
- Darjeeling tea estates in West Bengal, India.
- Why
- The workers are facing hardship because of low wages and non-payment, while the industry is facing challenges from climate change and competition.
Workers' Perspective
Estate Owners' Perspective
Wage and Benefit Disparities
Workers' Perspective
Workers are underpaid and experience poor working conditions, delayed payments, and lack of benefits.
Estate Owners' Perspective
Estate owners may claim financial struggles due to external factors like climate change or competition.
Land Use and Economic Impact
Workers' Perspective
Workers argue that the tea tourism and allied business are not helping them due to non-adherence of the policies.
Estate Owners' Perspective
Owners view tourism and allied businesses as a way to make more revenue.
- Daily Wage
- Rs 230
- Darjeeling Tea Production (2024)
- 5.6 million kg
- Minimum Daily Wage in West Bengal
- Rs 323
- Tea Garden Land for Business
- Up to 30%
- First Flush Harvest
- Late February to Late April