The condition of the tea gardens in West Bengal, especially in the Dooars region of Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar districts has deteriorated drastically. Many of the tea gardens got closed or are running in an irregular manner resulting crisis and deprivations in the lives of tea garden workers and their families. In this situation, the worst affected are the children and women. ActionAid in collaboration with West Bengal Commission for the Protection of Child Rights conducted a study in 20 tea gardens (closed and sick) covering 3727 respondents (parents and children) in Madarihat and Kalchini Blocks of Alipurduar District. The study findings present the various deprivations of plantation workers and its effect on the lives of the children.

download full publication