Workers simmer over neglect at tea garden creche in Alipurduar

Kali Puja and Diwali celebrations are somewhat subdued among the workers of Atiabari Tea Garden in the Kalchini subdivision of Alipurduar district after a nine-month-old baby in the care of the garden’s créche was found with its mouth full of stones.

- STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE

The shocking incident happened five days ago, but the workers are still simmering with anger and discontent, brought about by the neglect the management of the tea estate continues to show over statutory welfare facilities.

The Paschim Banga Cha Majdoor Samity (PBCMS) has condemned the incident, reflecting the mood of its members who include many mothers who could have utilised the creche, had it been staffed properly. The samity has demanded immediate government intervention, saying that, as of today, only asingle untrained worker, Sita Mahali, currently manages uptonine children daily, which was grossly insufficient.