Abstract

North Bengal tea workers significantly contribute to the regional economy. But female tea workers suffer from critical human rights problems. Their social and economic status, the impact of labour legislation on them, and gender-based discrimination are examined in this paper. It cites many problems, such as low wages, hazardous working conditions, absence of maternity benefits, gender violence, financial exploitation, and trafficking. Although there are protective legislations like the Plantation Labour Act of 1951 and the Minimum Wages Act of 1948 , their weak enforcement leaves the women vulnerable to exploitation. The paper explains how such legislations should safeguard the workers and suggests policy reforms that can enhance their welfare. Emergency reforms are necessary, with strict enforcement of the labour legislations, to provide equal rights to women in North Bengal's tea industry, safe working conditions, and fair remuneration.

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