In September 2020, the West Bengal government introduced the Cha Sundari Scheme, an initiative designed to provide free housing to homeless and underprivileged tea garden workers. Alongside this, the government granted land rights to many workers in the sector.
To date, around 2,500 acres of land and residential plots up to 5 decimals have been distributed for constructing homes for these workers. Over 23,000 tea garden employees have received land for home construction, but limited financial means have made building homes on these plots challenging.
To address this issue, the government announced an enhanced initiative in the 2024-2025 budget, providing financial support for home construction. The Cha Sundari Extension Scheme builds on the original scheme, offering monetary aid to qualified tea garden workers for building their homes.
Key Highlights of the Cha Sundari Extension Scheme
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Nodal Agency | West Bengal Housing Department |
| Scheme Name | Chaa Sundari Extension Scheme |
| Number of Beneficiaries | 23,000 tea garden workers |
| Financial Assistance | ₹1,20,000 (one-time) |
| Official Website | wbhousing.gov.in |
Benefits of the Cha Sundari Extension Scheme
The Cha Sundari Extension Scheme offers several benefits to tea garden workers:
- Financial Assistance: Eligible workers will receive ₹1,20,000 to aid in constructing their homes.
- Empowerment: The initiative ensures that underprivileged tea garden workers can achieve a stable living condition.
- Support for Permanent Workers: Exclusively benefits those permanently employed in tea gardens.
Eligibility Criteria for Tea Garden Workers
To qualify for the scheme, applicants must meet these requirements:
- Permanent Residency: Applicants must be permanent residents of West Bengal.
- Tea Garden Employment: Only permanent employees of tea gardens are eligible.
- Land Ownership: Applicants must possess land or government-granted Patta.
Documents Required for Application
To apply for the Cha Sundari Extension Scheme, workers need the following documents:
- Proof of permanent residency in West Bengal.
- Tea Garden Worker Registration ID.
- Aadhaar Card.
- Valid contact number.
- Documents confirming land ownership or government-awarded land.
- Bank account details for fund transfer.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Follow these steps to apply for the Cha Sundari Extension Scheme:
- Obtain the Application Form:
- Visit the District Office of the Housing Department to collect the form free of charge.
- Fill Out the Form:
- Complete the form carefully and attach all the necessary documents.
- Submit the Form:
- Return the completed form and documents to the District Office where it was collected.
- Verification:
- Housing Department officials will review all submissions and select eligible beneficiaries.
- Notification:
- Selected applicants will be notified via SMS on their registered mobile number.
- Fund Transfer:
- Approved beneficiaries will receive ₹1,20,000 in their bank accounts for housing construction.
FAQs
Who is eligible for the Cha Sundari Extension Scheme?
Permanent residents of West Bengal employed as permanent tea garden workers with government-allotted land are eligible.
What is the financial aid amount provided under the scheme?
Eligible applicants receive a one-time assistance of ₹1,20,000.
How can I apply for the scheme?
Applications can be submitted to the District Office of the Housing Department after completing the required form and attaching the necessary documents.
