Livelihood of tea garden laborer: a study on selected tea gardens of Bangladesh

Abstract

The main objective of this study was to determine the livelihood adopted by the tea workers in the selected tea gardens. The study was conducted at tea gardens of Sreemangal Upazilla of Moulvibazar districts. Data were collected from 160 people by simple random sampling, using household survey on 50 families, and interview. The study examines the livelihood of the tea workers, wages, education, food, ration and possible work source etc. The study generates new and updated knowledge on tea plantation workers life to identify and implement appropriate responses to ensure fair remuneration, education, good earning etc. In the study it is observed that most of the tea workers had very poor living and wage. Their level of education is also frightening and child labor exists inside the tea gardens. Tea garden people have already adopted some new profession as van driver, CNG driver, day labor outside the garden etc. other than working in the gardens. Most of the people work long hours throughout the month. Only 9% of the workers can earn more than Tk. 10,000 per month. 80% of the people have mentioned that they will prefer to work and stay inside the garden. One third of the people expressed their intention to leave the tea garden if get any chance of working and living outside. Very few of the tea workers can have breakfast regularly. Non-salary benefits are not as huge as it is claimed by the tea garden authority. They want to change their condition by including themselves with the labor force outside of the tea garden, with the help of authority and government. The article also explores the thought of the tea people about their future work force. It also presents some policy recommendations which can help in making changes in their lives.