West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday effectively dismantled the negative propaganda and fake news surrounding the state government’s decision to allow up to 30% of uncultivated tea garden land to be used for non-tea activities aimed at promoting tourism and generating local employment. She addressed Opposition claims by highlighting a strict approval process, ensuring that only proposals meeting essential criteria—such as 80% local employment and proper wages, provident fund, and gratuity for tea garden workers—will be sanctioned.
“Certain individuals associated with tea workers in North Bengal are spreading misleading rumours. A few of the ‘bhooture’ (ghostly) political parties are also involved, as they haven’t grasped the actual situation,” she said during a press conference at Nabanna. “Let me make this clear: there will be no compromise on tea plantation or cultivation. It will continue unhindered. Only land that is unsuitable for tea cultivation or remains unutilized can be considered for commercial activities that generate local employment and boost tourism opportunities,” she added.
During the plenary session of the Bengal Global Business Summit on February 5, the Chief Minister announced the increase in the cap for using tea garden land for non-tea purposes from 15% to 30%. This decision gave Opposition parties, particularly the BJP, an opportunity to politicize the issue. It is worth noting that tea garden votes significantly influence the outcomes in around 10 Assembly seats in West Bengal, many of which have leaned towards AITC in recent years.
On Tuesday, Mamata Banerjee clarified that the full 30% allocation would not be granted immediately. Initially, only 15% would be approved, with further expansion considered only if the tea estate operated properly, ensuring timely payment of wages, provident funds, and other dues.
“Nobody can obtain freehold rights to tea garden estates; this is not part of our system. These lands are always leased. Generating local employment and maintaining ecological balance are our dual responsibilities,” she asserted, clearing up any confusion. The Chief Minister also stressed that the policy to promote tea tourism and other commercial activities on fallow land would neither affect tea production nor harm the interests of tea garden workers.
Taking a firm stand, Banerjee warned that if any tea garden closed down after initiating commercial activities, the government would reclaim the land. “I will allow the use of uncultivated land only if the tea gardens remain operational. Those who shut down tea garden estates will not be permitted to benefit from this policy. This is a clear message. Those who have distorted the facts should understand that tea garden workers are our pride, and we will never allow any harm to come to them. Tribal land cannot be sold to anyone. Our laws are stringent in protecting tribal land from being purchased,” she concluded.
