KalimNews, Kalimpong, March 19, 2025 : The Nagari Tea Estate, which had remained closed since March 5, is set to reopen from March 19 following a crucial meeting held today at the Siliguri Labor Office. The meeting was convened after a formal request was made to the Additional Labor Commissioner (T) to initiate discussions for reopening the tea estate.
Present at the meeting were representatives from the Lohia Group of Companies, including the principal advisor and DTA, leaders of the Darjeeling Central Labor Organization, the manager of Nagari Tea Estate, trade union representatives, and Anjul Chowhan, the GTA Sabha Chairman and Member of the Nagari Dhajey Constituency. Extensive discussions took place regarding the challenges faced by tea workers, culminating in an agreement from the management to restart operations without any preconditions from the following day.
In a parallel development, a joint meeting at the labor office, attended by a majority of trade unions, confirmed an agreement to reopen the estate on March 19. According to the agreement, the management has committed to clearing pending attendance allowances and wages within the next seven days. The principle of “No Work, No Pay” will be enforced for the period during which no work was undertaken.
The estate had been shut down due to allegations of worker indiscipline and financial losses caused by non-harvesting of tea leaves. To address these concerns, a prior meeting was scheduled for March 18, and today’s deliberations resulted in a final decision endorsed by the majority of trade unions. Participants in today’s discussions included representatives from the Himalayan Plantation Workers’ Union, Darjeeling-Terai-Dooars Plantation Labor Union, Hills-Terai-Dooars Plantation Workers’ Union, and the Hamro Hills-Terai-Dooars Tea Workers’ Association.
Meanwhile, another pressing issue has surfaced at Rangit Tea Garden, where 42 members of the Upper Chitre Shopkeepers’ Association have submitted a signed memorandum to GTA Chief Executive Anit Thapa, protesting the construction of large walls within the estate.
It is widely recognized that the Chitre Tea Garden and its surrounding market area attract numerous tourists who visit to admire the breathtaking landscape and experience the tea gardens. However, local shopkeepers have raised concerns that the ongoing construction of high walls will obstruct these scenic views, subsequently affecting tourist footfall.
In their memorandum, the signatories emphasized that they have been operating their businesses in Chitre Market, Rangit Tea Estate, Darjeeling, for the past five to six decades. These small businesses serve as their primary source of income, funding their children’s education and sustaining their livelihoods. The absence of alternative sources of income makes their dependence on these shops critical.
The shopkeepers further argued that tourists frequently visit their establishments to enjoy the panoramic views of the hills and tea gardens. They fear that if the walls are constructed, these scenic vistas will be blocked, leading to a decline in visitors and ultimately forcing them to shut down their businesses.
In light of these concerns, the shopkeepers have urged the authorities to take immediate steps to halt the construction of the walls in Rangit Tea Garden, thereby preserving the aesthetic appeal of the area and safeguarding their livelihoods.
