Siliguri, 04th August: State Labour and Transport Minister Arjun Singh announced a series of measures aimed at modernising the tea industry in North Bengal, reviving closed and struggling tea gardens, ensuring workers’ rights and improving transparency and infrastructure in the transport department.
The minister held a meeting with administrative officials at Shramik Bhawan in Dagapur, Siliguri. Later, he conducted separate review meetings with officials of the Labour and Transport departments at the Siliguri State Guest House.
Speaking to the media after the meetings, Arjun Singh said the government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy against the alleged misappropriation of tea garden workers’ pending wages, provident fund and gratuity dues.
He stated that the government will not compromise on cases where workers’ entitled payments are withheld or misappropriated. The minister informed that efforts are underway to reopen around 34 closed and struggling tea gardens across the hills and Dooars.
Arjun Singh also shared his observations from his visit to Mongpu Cinchona and Horticulture Garden.
The minister announced plans to set up modern fitness centres for commercial vehicles in every district of the state to improve transparency and infrastructure in the transport sector.
On free bus services for women, he said that a ‘Pink Card’ system will be introduced to ensure that only genuine beneficiaries receive the facility.
Regarding healthcare services, the minister announced that 13 ESI hospitals in the state will be modernised through a joint initiative of the Centre and state government. He added that plans are also underway to gradually establish medical colleges along with improved treatment facilities.
The minister also issued a strict warning to party workers against extortion, stating that strict action will be taken and those involved will be immediately expelled from the party.