(a) whether bound by a tripartite agreement the tea industry is obliged to increase the daily wages of more than 3.5 lakh workers by Rs. 4.10 from Apri 1, 2002;
(b) whether in an unprecedented move the tea industry has sought deferment of the wage increment for an unspecified period;
(c) whether the Government have taken a move to settle the tricky situation which awaits the tea industry from April 1, 2002; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY (SHRI RAJIV PRATAP RUDY)
(a) As per Tripartite Agreement signed on 5.2.2001 the daily wages for tea plantation workers in Dooars, Terai and Darjeeling in the state of West Bengal would increase by Rs.4.10 for each of the adult workers.
(b) Yes Sir.
(c) & (d) As per the information available from the industry, the deferment of wages has not been accepted by the Labour Unions and the said wage rate has become effective from 1.4.2002.