In a direct address to the public in Alipurduar, Trinamool Congress (TMC) national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee made significant promises for the region's tea garden workers on Saturday. He committed that a Mamata Banerjee-led government, upon returning to office in 2026, would ensure their daily wages are increased to Rs 300 within one month.
Public Q&A Highlights Key Issues
Banerjee's meeting in the tribal-dominated district of Alipurduar featured an interactive session where he fielded questions directly from residents. The queries covered a wide range of pressing concerns, including the non-payment of EPF dues by garden owners, inadequate wages, a severe lack of healthcare facilities, and the absence of land deeds for workers.
He addressed each issue patiently, acknowledging delays in some areas while promising concrete action. Banerjee sharply contrasted his party's approach with that of the BJP, pointing out that despite the BJP holding both the MLA and MP seats from the area since 2019, their work for the district's people was negligible.
Wage Hike and Development Promises
Responding to a question from Kumargram resident Rajesh Oraon about wage increases, Banerjee provided historical context. He noted that in 2011, when TMC first came to power, the daily wage was a meager Rs 67, with annual increments of only Rs 2-3. Over 14 years, this has risen to Rs 250.
"I agree that it is not possible to run a household on Rs 250," Banerjee stated, acknowledging the impact of inflation. He then made a firm commitment: "Within one month [of forming government in 2026], I will come here myself or send a senior representative. A tripartite meeting will be held... I will ensure that your daily wage is increased to Rs 300 per day." He promised this would be implemented within seven days of the meeting.
On immediate relief, he announced that five buses for school-going children, a prior promise of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, would start operating in Alipurduar from the day after tomorrow.
Healthcare, Crèches, and a Jab at BJP
Another critical issue raised was by Sangita Oraon, a worker from Kohinoor Tea Garden, who described the ordeal of her sister-in-law having to carry a toddler to work. Banerjee outlined the state's plan to make all Public Health Centres (PHCs) operational and to set up 90-95 crèches in tea garden areas.
He revealed that 34 of these crèches are already operational, and the government is providing Rs 1 lakh per month in assistance for this initiative. He pledged to make the remaining crèches fully functional with nurses and staff within two years, aiming to complete the task within six months.
Taking aim at the local BJP representatives, Banerjee challenged their record. "Go and ask them what they have done for people of this district," he said, questioning whether any BJP MP or MLA had written to the Centre about EPF non-payment, drinking water, or wage problems. He also reminded the crowd of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 2016 promise for the Centre to take over and run the tea gardens, a notification for which was later withdrawn.
To highlight the TMC government's continued investment, Banerjee cited that despite not winning any of Alipurduar's five assembly seats in 2021, the state has spent Rs 25 crore every month under the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme in the district. This amounts to Rs 300 crore annually and a total of Rs 1,500 crore over five years, directly benefiting women in the region.
