West Bengal Approves ₹313.3 Crore PM Cha Shramik Protsahan Yojana for Tea Garden Workers

The West Bengal government has approved the implementation strategy of the Pradhan Mantri Cha Shramik Protsahan Yojana which allows for a special assistance package worth ₹313.3 crores aimed at uplifting the conditions of tea garden workers in the North Bengal region. This decision has been made by the state-level committee, which is expected to assist over 300,000 tea plantation workers in the area and their families through investments in education, health care, and worker welfare infrastructure.

What is the PM Cha Shramik Protsahan Yojana (PMCSPY)?

The Pradhan Mantri Cha Shramik Protsahan Yojana (PMCSPY) is an initiative of the Central Government for improving the social and economic background of the people involved in farming tea.

The scheme aims at improving accessibility in the area of quality education, health services, workers welfare infrastructure and essential public services.

Although the Central Government, India established the scheme in the past, none of its implementation took place in the state of West Bengal.

However, the constitution of a committee at the level of state government has led to initiation of the send-up of the program.

₹313.3 Crore Package: Distribution of the Money

The approved package of funds is ₹313.3 crore which has been allocated under three major heads that are directly related to the well-being of tea garden workers.

1. Education – ₹177 crore

The maximum amount of fund allocation goes for Cha Shramik Shiksha Yojana (CSSY) and it is ₹177 crore. The fund will be used for the following purpose,

• Upgrading educational facilities.
• Improving education facilities in tea garden locations.
• Creating opportunities for children of tea estate workers to get an education.
• Promoting quality education in the tea garden locations.

2. Healthcare – ₹72 crore

The amount ₹72 crore has been set aside for a program called Cha Shramik Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (CSSSY). The funds will be utilized for the following purposes:

• Strengthening medical facilities.
• Providing easy access to medical services.
• Creating upgraded health infrastructure at tea garden locations.
• Making quality healthcare available to the tea garden workers and their families.

3. Worker Infrastructure – ₹63 crore

An amount of ₹63 crore will be spent on Cha Shramik Ashray Yojana (CSAY) which will see the construction of 321 sheds for resting purpose. Out of these, 88 sheds will be constructed in hills and remaining 233 will be in North Bengal plains.

Over 300 Thousand Beneficiaries

According to estimates, PMCSPY is expected to benefit more than 300,000 workers of tea gardens and their families.

The scheme focuses primarily on tea gardens in North Bengal plains and hilly regions because the tea industry is one of the key areas of livelihood and employment.

The approach has an all-encompassing impact on workers’ welfare since it addresses different perspectives rather than focusing on a particular sector.

Method of Implementation

The NBDD has been assigned the role of implementing agency for the programme.

For the smooth implementation of the scheme, the department will work closely with the,

• Health Department
• Paschim Banga Samagra Siksha Mission
• District Administrations