Rajesh Sharma, February 9, 2025, Jaigaon: In a significant step towards improving the living standards of tea garden workers, the West Bengal government officially handed over newly constructed houses to beneficiaries under the ‘Cha-Sundari’ housing scheme in Alipurduar district on Saturday. The scheme, launched by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on January 23, aims to provide permanent and secure housing to tea garden workers, reinforcing the state’s commitment to their welfare.
The allocation of houses was conducted through a transparent lottery system, allowing the beneficiaries to select their homes under the supervision of the district administration. The initiative was met with enthusiasm, as tea garden workers from three tea estates in the district—Lankapara, Mujnai, and Dheklapara—received their homes.
Alipurduar District Magistrate R. Vimala, while addressing the event, highlighted the importance of the initiative. “The main objective of the ‘Cha-Sundari’ scheme is to ensure that tea garden workers have permanent and safe housing. Today, 438 families have received their new homes, marking a new chapter in their lives. The government is dedicated to providing every tea garden worker with the opportunity to live with dignity and security,” she stated.
The scheme saw the allocation of 117 houses in Lankapara Tea Garden, 170 houses in Mujnai Tea Garden, and 151 houses in Dheklapara Tea Garden, amounting to a total of 438 houses. This large-scale housing project is expected to enhance the quality of life for workers and their families, many of whom have spent years working in the tea gardens without proper housing facilities.
The atmosphere at the event was filled with emotion and gratitude. Many beneficiaries expressed their joy and relief at finally having a permanent home. One worker, upon receiving the keys to their house, said, “We never imagined we would own a permanent home. Now, our family will live in a safe and better environment. We are grateful to the government for this invaluable support.”
The ‘Cha-Sundari’ scheme reflects the state government’s ongoing efforts to uplift tea garden workers, ensuring that they have access to essential amenities and a stable living environment. By addressing the long-standing housing concerns of these workers, the initiative not only provides them with a place to call home but also fosters a sense of security and community among them.
With the successful implementation of this phase of the scheme, the government aims to continue extending such benefits to more workers across the region, further strengthening its commitment to social welfare and economic upliftment in West Bengal’s tea-growing districts.
