Sharing a video on social media that highlighted the triumph and empowerment of tea garden families who had long lived in uncertainty over their land ownership status, Anit Thapa, the Chief Executive of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA), claimed to have distributed Patta to 135 families of Chhota Poobong Tea Garden. He stated, “This short video tells the story of happiness, the story of rights.”
Poobong Tea Garden (also spelled Pubong) is in the Jorebunglow Sukhiapokhri CD block in the Darjeeling Sadar subdivision of the Darjeeling district. It is often referred to as Chhota Pubung due to its size, being the smallest tea garden in the Hills. The tea garden is located about 8 km from Ghoom Railway Station (towards Sukhiapokhari) and 13 km from Darjeeling.
The video emphasized the fact that the Patta has not only provided legal recognition to the residents but also opened the doors to several government programs and benefits, allowing them to live with greater dignity and security.
Sunil Rai, a resident of Chhota Pubung Tea Garden, shared that he and his family members have now received the total land of the tea garden that was previously in their occupation, far beyond the initial 5 decimals they once held. According to Rai, he received Patta with(Nij)for both the homestead and agricultural land. Rai explained that the application for land records was filed with the Land Department in 2022, following a survey of the land that had originally been carried out by the department in 1955.
The department meticulously surveyed, demarcated, verified, and reclassified the land, confirming it as agricultural land. As a result, the families who received the Patta are now eligible for government assistance from both the Central and State governments, as well as the Panchayat. Additionally, they have registered in the Krishak Bandhu program and are receiving all the associated benefits.
Rai and other residents of the Tea Garden also mentioned that the dependent family members of deceased landowners are now receiving financial assistance from Krishak Bandhu, with each family being granted a sum of Rs. 2 lakh from the government.
“Initially, surveying the land was a very difficult process, but now the government is actively supporting and encouraging surveys for all residents of the tea garden who are willing to participate,” said Rai.
With rumors and confusion spreading among some residents regarding the land records and their rights, Rai called upon all tea garden residents who are still uncertain to clear up the misinformation. “Our testimony should clarify any doubts and misconceptions that have been circulating,” he urged.
SP Sharma, the Chief Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the GTA, also supported the call for clarity, urging residents to verify all information and not be misled by incorrect rumors. “We encourage everyone to seek verified information and ensure they understand their rights fully,” Sharma stated.
Some residents of the tea garden said that those who received the Patta are from Aloobari Khasmahal village in the Poobong Tea Garden, which was converted into an agricultural village a few years ago.
The Patta documents are now reflected on the State Government’s official website, making the land records accessible to all. Those who have received and own the Patta are now eligible to avail themselves of various government facilities, such as the Indira Awas Yojana (housing scheme), and are not required to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from tea garden owners for any further development.
This initiative is a part of the government’s efforts to empower tea garden residents, ensuring they have secure land tenure and can live with the benefits of full legal recognition and access to government schemes.
