Darjeeling tea workers may get equity stake in gardens

The Tea Board may consider offering stakes to workers in the tea gardens of Darjeeling, which have been shut for over 80 days due to political disturbance in the region.

The Darjeeling Tea Association (DTA) has sought Rs 400-crore assistance from the Tea Board and the commerce ministry, but the board is unlikely to provide a grant. Sources said the board might instead offer the unpaid workers stakes in the tea gardens either as individuals or cooperative societies. The Tea Board will meet on September 18 to discuss this proposal and other alternatives before meeting tea garden