(a) whether the Government are aware of rampant theft of green tea leaves from tea gardens of Northern part of West Bengal;
(b) if so, whether the Government have received representations from the Indian Tea Planters Association in this regard and seeking intervention of the Union Government
(c) if so, the details thereof; and
(d) the steps taken by the Union Government thereon?
MINISTER OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY
(SHRI MURASOLI MARAN)
(a) to (c) The Indian Tea Planters` Association during the year 1998 and 1999 represented to the District Magistrate, Jalpaiguri, Commissiner, Jalpaiguri Division and to the Finance Minister, Government of West Bengal against frequent incidents of stealing of green tea leaves from the tea gardens located in Jalpaiguri region of West Bengal.
(d) The representations submitted by Indian Tea Planters` Association relate to law and order which is a State subject.