Darjeeling, Nov. 4 -- The Bengal government has increased the minimum daily wage of workers employed in cinchona plantations to Rs 406, providing relief to workers across the cinchona belt.
The decision was communicated through an order issued by the Office of the Labour Commissioner, West Bengal, on November 2, 2026, modifying the existing minimum wage rates for the scheduled employers of cinchona plantations.
According to the order (Memo No. I/834672/2026), the revised minimum wage for adult workers has been fixed at Rs 406 per day, effective retrospectively from July 1, 2026.
The order stated that the revision followed representations received from representatives of cinchona plantation workers seeking an enhancement in minimum wages. The state government decided to provide immediate relief to the workers.
Gopal Ruchal, president of the central committee of the Darjeeling Terai Dooars Plantation Labour Union, claimed: "The increase is the result of sustained effort by the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha to secure better wages and economic security for the cinchona workers."
The government order further clarified that the revised rates would apply after adjustment of Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA), if any, and that the earlier wage revision circular dated June 22, 2026, would stand modified to this extent.
"For years, the workers had submitted repeated representations seeking a fair wage revision, but their legitimate demands were ignored by the erstwhile Trinamool Congress government. The BJP government promptly addressed the issue. This revision is an important step towards recognising the contribution, dignity and welfare of Cinchona plantation workers.
I assure all our tea garden workers, cinchona garden workers and citizens that we are working tirelessly towards addressing the aspirations and improving the quality of life of the people from our Darjeeling hills, Terai and Dooars region," stated Raju Bista, Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha, Darjeeling.
Over 5,300 daily wage workers are currently engaged in the Cinchona and Other Medicinal Plants Directorate's plantations across the Darjeeling and Kalimpong Hills. There are around 1,200 staff members also.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.