चिया बगानका श्रमिकहरूलाई प्रत्येक वर्ष दुर्गा पूजाको अवसरमा दिइने 'पूजा बोनस' अब अधिकारभन्दा पनि सम्झौतामा परिणत हुँदै गएको देखिन्छ। कुमाई लगायत पूर्वी भारतका धेरै चियाबगानहरूमा श्रमिकहरूले समयमा बोनस नपाएको वा कम प्रतिशतमा प्राप्त भएको गुनासो गर्दै आएका छन्। सन् २०२३-२४ मा त बोनसको दर घटाइएपछि श्रमिकहरूले पथ अवरोध, कार्यालय घेराउजस्ता विरोध प्रदर्शन गर्नुपर्‍यो। यद्यपि उनीहरूले २०% बोनसको माग गरेका थिए, अन्ततः उनीहरूलाई १६% बोनसमा सन्तोष मान्न बाध्य बनाइयो। ब्रिटिश शासनकालदेखि चलेको यो बोनस परम्परा अहिले श्रमिक अधिकारको मुद्दा बनेको छ। मजदुर युनियनहरूले बोनस सुनिश्चित गर्न कानुनी दबाब दिइरहेका छन्। यस्तो अवस्थामा, श्रमिकहरूको आवाजलाई बुलन्द बनाउनु हामी सबैको दायित्व हो। यो भिडियोमा हेर्नुहोस् उनीहरूको वास्तविक अवस्था र निरन्तर संघर्षको कथा।

The Durga Puja bonus, once a respected tradition for tea garden workers, is now becoming a matter of compromise rather than a right. In tea estates like Kumai and other regions of Eastern India, workers have repeatedly complained of delayed or reduced bonuses. In 2023–24, protests erupted—road blockades and office gheraos—when workers demanded a 20% bonus but were eventually forced to settle for just 16%. Though this practice dates back to British rule, it has now evolved into a serious labor rights issue. Trade unions continue to push for legally secured bonuses. This video explores the voices, struggles, and spirit of the workers who refuse to give up. Watch their story and support the cause by raising awareness.

This story is by Manzil Thapa, a Community, Content Creator from Kalimpong, West Bengal. Learn more about Manzil Thapa and see other videos of his here. www.videovolunteers.org

This story is filmed and edited by the community content creator. We bring you unfiltered stories from the deepest, most media-dark areas.

Watch and read more about the importance of first-person storytelling at www.videovolunteers.org
and please support our work!
Donate now: www.videovolunteers.org/take-action/make-a-donation/

Connect with us!

- Facebook: www.facebook.com/VideoVolunteers/
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/videovolunteers
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/videovolunteers
- Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.videovolunteers.org/news
- YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/user/VideoVolunteers