Mamata interacts with tea garden workers

Kolkata: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday spoke directly with some workers of a tea garden at Rohini, while coming down from Kurseong to Siliguri. Banerjee was returning after addressing a public meeting at Kurseong in the afternoon.

She enquired whether the workers are properly getting their daily wage of Rs 176 per day and whether they are getting food grains from the ration shops. She further asked them whether their children are going to school or not.

She was informed that the school in the area houses students upto the eighth standard and children have to travel a reasonably long distance to Kurseong, for studying in Class X or beyond. Banerjee told them that she would look into the issue.

"Interacted with the workers of a tea garden at Rohini today. Despite non-cooperation from the Centre, our government in #Bangla has been working for the welfare of tea garden workers since 2011. It was a pleasant experience talking to these women workers. Women are the backbone of the society. My best wishes to all," Banerjee wrote on her Facebook page, sharing a small video of her interaction.

It may be mentioned that all working and non-working families residing in the tea gardens (enrolled under Antyodaya Anna Yojana), are getting 35 kg food grains per month at only 47 paise per kg. The more needy beneficiaries are getting foodgrains completely free of cost.

She also shared a video of her fondling a baby during her journey to Siliguri. Banerjee also asked the baby's mother its name and came to know that his name was Jeevam.

Sharing her experience, the Chief Minister wrote on her Facebook page: "Came across this beautiful bundle of joy, Jeevam. Children are the future of the society. I wish him a bright future. We have several schemes for the welfare of people, for every stage of life. I hope Jeevam will also benefit from them."