The West Bengal administration is preparing to roll out the updated WB Chaa Sundari Program 2026. Through this initiative, the state will provide residential units to tea garden laborers in northern Bengal. State Labor Minister Moloy Ghatak officially introduced the Chaa Sundari Housing Project on September 17, 2020. This guide covers all essential aspects of the Chaa Sundari Awas Yojana.
Under the WB Chaa Sundari project, the government aims to build homes for 792 families living within the tea estates. The administration has implemented various welfare measures for the tea-growing community, including the provision of subsidized rations for workers. The intent to launch the Chaa Sundari initiative was initially shared during the presentation of the state's annual budget for the current fiscal year.
West Bengal Chaa Sundari Initiative 2026
Back in February 2020, West Bengal unveiled the "Chaa Sundari Housing Scheme" to supply homes to tea plantation employees. Over the subsequent three-year period (2021, 2022, and 2023), the state government committed funds to construct residences for all permanent tea estate workers who lacked their own homes. A budget of Rs. 500 crores was specifically earmarked for this endeavor.
The state government is prioritizing development initiatives ahead of upcoming assembly elections. Many tea workers currently lack personal housing due to financial constraints. Addressing this, the administration introduced the "Chaa Sundari" project. For further information, visit the official link: http://aitcofficial.org/tag/chaa-sundari/
Key Highlights of the WB Chaa Sundari Project
The primary features and objectives of the WB Chaa Sundari Initiative 2026 are outlined below:
| Scheme Title | Chaa Sundari Initiative |
| State | West Bengal |
| Announced By | Finance Minister during State Budget |
| Program Category | Housing Development |
| Primary Beneficiaries | Tea Garden Laborers |
| Budget Allocation | Rs. 500 crore |
| Launch Date | Pending, delayed by COVID-19 |
| Application Process | To be determined (Online/Offline status pending) |
Tea Worker Wage Increases under TMC
Government officials have noted the consistent rise in tea worker wages since the TMC took office in 2011. Previously, workers earned a daily wage of Rs. 67, which the state has since raised to Rs. 176. Further revisions to these wages are anticipated in the near future.
While opposition figures have criticized wage policies, the TMC administration maintains that the Mamata Banerjee-led government is deeply committed to improving the lives of tea workers. They argue that a change in leadership could negatively impact the state of tea estates.
Additionally, the state government is actively working to reopen three previously shuttered tea gardens in the Dooars region. The Finance Department has sanctioned the revival of the Madhu, Bundapani, and Surendranagar tea estates. The state cabinet is expected to finalize decisions regarding the selection of investors to manage these gardens soon.