Abstract: Tea is regarded to be the most consumed drink in the world. Globally our nation India ranks second in terms of production after China. There are about 450 tea gardens in North Bengal and it is the livelihood of almost 2.5 million people who are dependent on tea industries and they are mostly women workers. These women workers with their vivid role in the tea plantations have received scant attention although they dominate the entire tea industry. They are an important resource and the backbone of the tea industry, and despite their contributions women workers have always been ranked to the bottom strata and considered the most abundant, unskilled and cheapest labour force. These women workers still earn meagre incomes, suffer from low levels of health care, their lives are entrapped in poverty and are cut off from the mainstream strata. These women belong to marginalized communities, exacerbating their socio-economic vulnerabilities. The chapter studies deep into the gendered division of labour in tea gardens, where women are often confined to low-paying, labour-intensive tasks such as hand plucking and sorting leaves. A significant part of the research focuses on the absence of legal protections and the exploitation that stems from this gap. Issues such as wage disparities, workplace harassment, and lack of maternity benefits are examined. The paper also explores the impact of these working conditions on the overall well-being of women workers, including their physical and mental health, and the intergenerational effects on their families. Finally, the chapter reveals the urgent need for policy interventions, such as better implementation of labour laws, social security measures, and skill development programs tailored to the needs of women in the unorganized sector. By shedding light on the lived experiences of women tea garden workers in Siliguri, this chapter seeks to contribute to the broader discourse on gender equity and labour rights, advocating for a more inclusive and equitable framework for the unorganized.

INTRODUCTION

The unorganised sector is a crucial component of the economy, contributing significantly to employment and production. However, workers in this sector, particularly women, often face precarious conditions characterized by low wages, lack of social security, and poor working environments. One such segment within the unorganised sector is the tea gardens, where women constitute a substantial portion of the workforce. This study aims to examine the socio-economic and working conditions of women in the tea gardens of Siliguri, highlighting their struggles and vulnerabilities.

Tea gardens in Siliguri, an integral part of India's tea industry, rely heavily on female labourers for plucking, sorting, and processing tea leaves. Despite their indispensable role, these women endure multiple hardships, including meagre earnings, exploitative labour practices, and inadequate healthcare facilities. Their work is physically demanding, yet they receive minimal recognition and limited legal protection. Additionally, gender disparities further exacerbate their plight, restricting their access to education, skill development, and financial independence.

Beyond economic challenges, these women also grapple with social issues such as gender-based discrimination, domestic responsibilities, and limited decision-making power within their households. The absence of formal contracts and job security renders them vulnerable to arbitrary dismissals and exploitation. Furthermore, poor housing conditions, inadequate sanitation, and lack of access to clean drinking water contribute to their overall deprivation.

This study seeks to explore these dimensions in detail, shedding light on the harsh realities faced by women workers in the unorganised tea garden sector. By critically analysing their socio-economic status, workplace conditions, and policy implications, this research aims to provide insights that could guide interventions for improving their livelihoods and ensuring their rights. Addressing these challenges is imperative for fostering inclusive economic growth and social justice.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF THE TEA INDUSTRY IN SILIGURI

The tea industry in Siliguri, located in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal, has a rich history that has significantly shaped the region's socio-economic landscape.

Early Beginnings:

Tea cultivation in the Darjeeling region commenced in the mid-19th century. In 1841, Archibald Campbell, an officer of the East India Company, planted tea seeds in the Lebong area, marking the inception of commercial tea production in the region. By 1852, the first three experimental tea gardens—Tukvar, Steinthal, and Alubari—were established, laying the foundation for the burgeoning tea industry.

Expansion and Growth:

The 1860s and 1870s witnessed rapid expansion of tea plantations in Darjeeling and its adjoining areas, including the Terai and Dooars regions. The favourable climate and fertile soil of these regions made them ideal for tea cultivation. By the late 19th century, numerous tea estates were established, contributing to the economic development of the area.

Role of Siliguri:

Siliguri, situated at the foothills of the Himalayas, emerged as a pivotal hub for the tea industry. Its strategic location facilitated the transportation of tea from the plantations to various markets. The establishment of the Siliguri Tea Auction Centre in 1976 further streamlined the marketing and distribution of tea, reducing the need for growers to travel long distances to sell their produce.

Current Status:

As of fiscal year 2023, West Bengal produced over 166 million kilograms of tea, with Siliguri continuing to play a central role in the tea trade.

The tea industry in Siliguri has not only been a significant economic driver but has also influenced the socio-cultural fabric of the region, shaping the livelihoods and communities associated with it.

LEGISLATIONS-THE PLANTATION LABOUR ACT OF 1951 & THE TEA ACT OF 1953

The Plantation Labour Act of 1951 and the Tea Act of 1953 are crucial legislations governing the working conditions and regulation of the tea industry in India. When analysing the socio-economic conditions of women workers in the tea gardens of Siliguri, these Acts provide a legal framework that influences their lives, but challenges remain in their implementation.

1. Plantation Labour Act, 1951

The Plantation Labour Act, 1951, was enacted to regulate the conditions of workers in plantations, including tea, coffee, rubber, and cinchona estates. It covers provisions related to:

• Working Hours & Wages: Women workers are entitled to fixed working hours, minimum wages, and overtime payments.
• Health & Welfare: The Act mandates housing, medical facilities, drinking water, sanitation, and maternity benefits.
• Education & Recreation: It requires employers to provide schools and recreational facilities for workers and their children.

2. Tea Act, 1953

The Tea Act, 1953, primarily focuses on the development and regulation of the tea industry under the control of the Tea Board of India. It ensures:

• Marketing & Export Regulations: Regulating the tea industry’s production and export, indirectly affecting employment.
• Welfare Measures: The Tea Board of India initiates various welfare schemes, but implementation gaps persist.

Despite legal protections, women workers in Siliguri's tea gardens face numerous socio-economic challenges:

1. Low Wages & Economic Hardship

Women tea workers receive low daily wages, often below a living wage. Wage disparities exist between men and women, despite performing similar tasks. Seasonal fluctuations in tea production affect their job security.

2. Poor Working & Living Conditions

Many workers live in poorly maintained houses provided by tea estates. Unsafe drinking water, inadequate sanitation, and lack of proper healthcare facilities lead to health issues. Women often work under harsh conditions with exposure to pesticides and long hours of physical labour.

3. Health & Maternity Issues

Maternity benefits under the Plantation Labour Act are not always enforced. Malnutrition, anemia, and maternal health issues are common due to poverty and lack of proper nutrition. Lack of access to quality healthcare leads to high morbidity rates among women workers.

4. Education & Child Labor Concerns

Low literacy rates among women and their children due to poor education facilities in tea estates. Many young girls drop out of school to support their families by working in tea gardens.

5. Exploitation & Gender Discrimination

Women workers often face exploitation, sexual harassment, and lack of job security. Lack of union representation for women makes it difficult to fight for their rights.

6. Government Schemes & Their Challenges

Government welfare schemes like Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), PM Awas Yojana, and health insurance schemes aim to improve their lives, but many workers lack awareness or access to these benefits.

The implementation of Plantation Labour Act provisions remains weak due to poor monitoring by authorities.

Status of Women in the Tea Gardens of Siliguri

The socio-economic working conditions of women in the tea gardens of Siliguri remain challenging despite some improvements over the years. Women constitute a significant portion of the workforce in the tea industry, performing labour-intensive tasks such as plucking tea leaves, carrying heavy loads, and processing tea. However, their wages remain low, often barely meeting minimum wage standards. Many women workers are employed as daily wage labourers, leaving them without job security or benefits like health insurance and pensions. The absence of formal contracts makes them vulnerable to exploitation and sudden job loss.

Working conditions in the tea gardens are physically demanding, with women working long hours in difficult terrain, often exposed to harsh weather conditions. They also suffer from poor housing facilities provided by the tea estates, with inadequate sanitation, drinking water, and healthcare facilities. Malnutrition is common due to low income and poor access to nutritious food. While laws mandate maternity benefits, many women do not receive them due to lack of awareness or reluctance from employers to provide these entitlements. Education and skill development opportunities for women remain limited, trapping them in a cycle of poverty and dependence on tea garden work. Gender discrimination is also prevalent, with women being paid less than their male counterparts for similar work. Cases of workplace harassment and lack of social security further worsen their condition.

Despite these hardships, there have been some efforts by NGOs and government schemes to improve their socio-economic status. Initiatives like self-help groups and vocational training programs are helping some women seek alternative livelihoods. However, structural challenges remain, requiring policy interventions, better enforcement of labour laws, and increased awareness among women workers about their rights to bring about real change in their living and working conditions.

KEY FINDINGS AND SOLUTIONS

1. Gender Disparity in Workforce

Women form the backbone of tea production in the Siliguri region, making up about 76% of the workforce in tea gardens. Despite their numerical dominance, they are often underpaid compared to male workers and are assigned more labour-intensive tasks, such as plucking tea leaves, which requires standing for long hours in difficult weather conditions. Additionally, they rarely hold supervisory or managerial positions, which limits their career growth. The disparity extends to decision-making, as male workers and garden management largely control wages, work conditions, and benefits.

Possible Solutions:

Equal pay initiatives should be enforced to ensure fair wages. Leadership training programs can empower women to take up managerial roles. Worker unions should include more women representatives to advocate for their rights.

2. Educational Challenges

A large percentage of women working in tea gardens have little to no formal education, with approximately 58.4% being illiterate. The demanding work schedules and financial constraints force many young girls to drop out of school to support their families. This lack of education limits their ability to seek alternative employment opportunities, keeping them trapped in generational poverty.

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Possible Solutions:

Adult literacy programs should be established in tea gardens to provide basic education to women workers. Scholarships and incentives can encourage young girls from tea worker families to complete their schooling. Flexible school timings and on-site learning centers within tea estates can ensure access to education without disrupting work responsibilities.

3. Nutritional Deficiencies

Many women in tea gardens suffer from severe malnutrition due to low wages and poor living conditions. A recent survey found that more than 50% of tea workers in West Bengal were malnourished, leading to issues like anemia, stunted growth, and weakened immunity. The physically demanding nature of their work further exacerbates their health problems, as they require more calories and nutrients than they consume.

Possible Solutions:

Midday meal schemes similar to those in schools can be introduced in tea gardens to provide workers with nutritious meals. Kitchen gardens should be promoted, where workers can grow vegetables for their own consumption. Nutritional awareness campaigns can educate workers on the importance of a balanced diet and available low-cost nutrition sources.

4. Health Issues

The working and living conditions in tea estates contribute to high morbidity rates among women workers, with 69.8% reporting health issues such as back pain, arthritis, and respiratory diseases. Many suffer from repetitive strain injuries due to continuous plucking, carrying heavy loads, and exposure to chemicals. Additionally, maternal healthcare is often inadequate, leading to high maternal and infant mortality rates.

Possible Solutions:

Mobile health clinics should be introduced to provide regular check-ups and basic medical care within tea gardens. Occupational safety measures, such as ergonomic tools for plucking and carrying loads, can reduce workplace injuries. Maternity benefits and access to gynecological healthcare must be improved to ensure the well-being of pregnant workers.

CONCLUSION

The socio-economic conditions of women in the tea gardens of Siliguri present a paradox of economic contribution and systemic marginalization. Despite being the backbone of the tea industry, these women grapple with exploitative labour conditions, meager wages, and the absence of social security. Entrenched gender hierarchies, lack of educational opportunities, and inadequate healthcare services further exacerbate their vulnerability. Their economic dependence on plantation owners perpetuates a cycle of poverty and disempowerment, stifling aspirations for upward mobility. Moreover, the precarious nature of employment, coupled with poor living conditions and occupational hazards, intensifies their socio-economic distress. While governmental policies and labour laws ostensibly aim to safeguard their rights, lax enforcement and corporate indifference render such measures largely ineffective. The absence of alternative livelihood opportunities, compounded by the lack of skill development programs, leaves them with little recourse but to endure systemic exploitation. In this milieu, empowerment remains elusive, necessitating a paradigm shift in policy implementation, grassroots mobilization, and stakeholder accountability. Only through holistic interventions—integrating economic upliftment, legal safeguards, and gender-sensitive social reforms—can these women transcend their socio-economic subjugation and attain substantive equality. Their plight underscores the imperative for an intersectional approach that dismantles structural inequities and fosters sustainable development.

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