Darjeeling, 23 August 2025 – The West Bengal government has announced that tea garden owners across Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Kurseong, Terai, and Dooars are required to pay a 20% bonus to their workers for the 2024–25 financial year. The bonus, which must be paid by September 15, is expected to be distributed just before the Durga Puja festival, ensuring that workers receive their dues in time for the celebrations.
This decision impacts more than 3 lakh tea workers in the region, a crucial workforce that has been historically central to the state’s tea industry. The government’s timely intervention comes after a history of disputes and strikes, particularly over delayed bonus payments in previous years. Authorities are hopeful that this move will avert any unrest during the festive season, a time when the industry traditionally experiences increased tensions.
Full Bonus for All Workers, Regardless of Earnings
In a significant step, the government has clarified that even workers who earn above the usual bonus threshold will still receive the full 20% bonus. The ruling also ensures that monthly-paid workers will continue to follow the same bonus structure as last year, offering some consistency and stability.
The announcement is seen as a relief for the workers, many of whom rely on the annual bonus to cover festive expenses. For many tea garden families, the bonus represents a substantial portion of their annual income.
Tea Companies Yet to Respond
As of now, tea garden owners have not formally commented on the government’s directive. However, sources indicate that the bonus rate of 20% is in line with what has been paid out in recent years, suggesting that the move may not come as a surprise to most tea garden owners.
While the bonus rate has remained consistent, the government’s decision to impose a deadline for payment—just before Durga Puja—is seen as an effort to prevent any delays, which have previously led to protests and strikes. These disruptions have had a negative impact on both workers and the tea industry, which is one of the state’s most important economic sectors.
Government’s Efforts to Maintain Harmony in the Tea Industryhara
The West Bengal government has made it clear that the timely distribution of bonuses is critical to maintaining peace and stability within the tea gardens. In the past, delays in bonus payments have led to labor unrest, with workers demanding their dues, sometimes causing significant disruptions to the industry. The government hopes that by ensuring workers receive their bonuses on time, it can avoid such confrontations, particularly during the festive period.
Authorities have also emphasized that the decision to pay the bonus early is part of a broader effort to maintain harmony and ensure that the tea sector remains productive and peaceful during one of the most culturally significant times of the year.
With the Durga Puja festivities just around the corner, the government is keen to avoid any labor disruptions that could dampen the spirit of the season, especially for the tea workers who are integral to the region’s economy.
