Silchar: The Cachar District Administration, led by District Commissioner Mridul Yadav (IAS), has laid down firm directives to ensure smooth, timely, and transparent payment of Durga Puja bonus to tea garden workers for the year 2024–25.

In a high-level meeting held on Wednesday, attended by senior officials from the police, banks, tea associations, labour unions, and other stakeholders, the DC stressed that garden managements must declare bonus rates by August 31, 2025, ensuring that the quantum is not less than last year’s amount. All disbursements are to be completed by September 10, 2025, in line with government advisories. Yadav warned against last-minute payments that could trigger unrest among workers.

To facilitate smooth transactions, banks were instructed to ensure adequate cash flow and provide smaller denomination notes to ease payments.

Maintaining law and order during disbursement was another major focus of the meeting. Senior Superintendent of Police, Cachar, Numal Mahatta (APS), directed the identification of sensitive tea gardens requiring additional security. It was decided that bonus amounts should preferably be paid at least 10 days before the Puja festivities to avoid tension. Estate managements must keep both the administration and the police informed of their payment schedules to enable proper security arrangements.

The DC further emphasized strict adherence to official guidelines. The Tea Association of India (TAI) and Indian Tea Association (ITA) were urged to ensure compliance with government instructions under Letter No. E-378148/280, dated August 2, 2025. Managements must submit Form ‘D’ immediately after payments and notify both the DC and the Assistant Labour Commissioner, Silchar, once bonus announcements are made.

The meeting was also attended by Additional DC Antara Sen (ACS), Additional SP (HQ) Subrata Sen (APS), the Lead District Manager of Cachar, officials from TAI and ITA, officers of the Labour Department, and representatives of Cha Shramik Union—underscoring a coordinated approach to safeguard workers’ rights.

Reiterating the administration’s commitment, DC Yadav appealed for close cooperation from all parties, urging estate managers to resolve disputes at the Bagan Panchayat level to prevent escalation. He also called for sensitisation of staff handling bonus distribution to ensure smooth implementation.

The Cachar administration has assured all stakeholders that every step will be taken to guarantee timely, peaceful, and transparent disbursement of Durga Puja bonus, reflecting the government’s dedication to the welfare of tea garden workers, the backbone of the district’s economy.

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