Amar Lama Highlights ESI Push for Darjeeling Tea Workers at Takdah-Glenburn Meeting
Darjeeling, February 17 2026 — A renewed debate over labour welfare and political accountability has emerged in the Darjeeling hills after senior leaders of the ruling hill administration addressed tea garden workers about the expansion of social security coverage. At an election meeting in the Takdah-Glenburn constituency, a key political figure said efforts are underway to bring tea workers in North Bengal under the ambit of the Employee State Insurance (ESI) scheme, a move he described as long overdue.
The remarks have sparked both support and criticism, with opposition leaders accusing the speaker of misrepresenting statements and spreading confusion over the jurisdiction of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA). The issue has once again drawn attention to the long-standing demands of tea garden workers in the Darjeeling hills for structured healthcare and financial protection.
ESI Scheme at the Centre of Political Messaging
Addressing supporters and local residents, Amar Lama, General Secretary of the Bharatiya Gorkha Prajatantrik Morcha (BGPM), said tea workers in the hills are now gaining clarity on the direction of labour welfare policies, particularly the implementation of the ESI scheme.
The ESI scheme, administered under the supervision of the central government, provides insured workers and their families access to medical care, sickness benefits, maternity benefits, and disability compensation. Workers contribute 0.75% of their monthly wages, while employers contribute 3.25%, making it a contributory social security programme designed to ensure financial and medical support.
Lama claimed that despite tea being a cornerstone of the Darjeeling economy, workers in North Bengal have not fully benefited from the scheme so far. He added that discussions are currently taking place in Kolkata to facilitate the extension of ESI coverage to tea garden labourers in the region. Representatives from trade unions, including those aligned with the ruling party, are reportedly part of these discussions.
If implemented effectively, the scheme would allow tea workers to access free medical treatment, receive allowances during illness, and avail maternity and disability benefits—services that many workers in remote hill areas have struggled to access consistently.
Political Undertones and Leadership Claims
Beyond labour welfare, the meeting also carried a strong political message. Lama expressed confidence in the current administration’s development agenda under Anit Thapa, Chief Executive of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration. He said that although the present GTA tenure has around 14 months remaining, ongoing projects and policy initiatives indicate a long-term commitment to the hills.
“In this way, Anit Thapa will serve the hills for 20 years, not just 14 months,” Lama said, projecting political continuity and stability as key themes of the ruling party’s campaign.
The GTA, formed as an autonomous administrative body for the Darjeeling hills, plays a significant role in local governance, infrastructure development, and coordination of welfare schemes. However, issues related to labour rights, especially in the tea sector, often involve coordination between state and central authorities.
Opposition Raises Objections
The opposition responded sharply to the statements made at the meeting. Critics accused Lama of selectively quoting and creating misunderstanding regarding previous comments about whether tea gardens fall under the administrative scope of the GTA.
Opposition leaders clarified that no such categorical claim was made and described the allegation as a distortion of an incomplete sentence. They alleged that political rhetoric was being used to mislead voters ahead of elections.
The exchange underscores the sensitivity surrounding governance in the Darjeeling hills, where administrative authority and jurisdictional responsibilities between the GTA and the West Bengal government have historically been debated.
Why ESI Matters for Darjeeling’s Tea Workers
The tea industry remains one of the largest employers in the Darjeeling and Dooars regions. Thousands of families depend on daily wages from tea estates, often facing challenges such as low income, limited healthcare access, and seasonal uncertainties.
While some tea gardens provide basic medical facilities, access to structured and insured healthcare benefits has been inconsistent. Labour unions have long demanded that Darjeeling tea workers be formally integrated into national social security frameworks.
The extension of the ESI scheme would represent a significant policy shift, offering standardized benefits similar to those available to industrial workers in urban areas. However, implementation would require logistical coordination, registration processes, and employer compliance.
Experts note that the success of such a move would depend on transparent enrolment, awareness among workers, and efficient administrative mechanisms to prevent delays in benefit delivery.
Broader Context: Governance and Welfare in the Hills
The Darjeeling hills have witnessed repeated political movements and administrative restructuring over the years. Welfare schemes often become central talking points during election campaigns, reflecting both genuine developmental concerns and political competition.
Observers say that while announcements regarding social security expansion are encouraging, sustained implementation and measurable outcomes will ultimately determine public confidence.
For Darjeeling tea workers, the issue goes beyond politics—it relates to daily survival, healthcare security, and dignity of labour. As discussions reportedly continue in Kolkata, stakeholders from the government, trade unions, and tea garden management will need to align their interests for effective rollout.
What Lies Ahead
With elections approaching and the current GTA tenure nearing its final phase, labour welfare remains a critical issue in the hills. Whether the proposed ESI coverage becomes a tangible reality or remains a campaign promise will be closely watched by workers and political observers alike.
For now, the debate has placed the spotlight firmly on social security, governance, and accountability in Darjeeling’s tea sector—issues that are likely to shape political discourse in the months ahead.
