The Tea Board has finally hauled up the Siliguri Tea Auction Centre by show causing it for non implementation of new auction norms related with free trade sample of tea.

The Statesman had carried a report on 21 October indicating that the future of the STAC could be in jeopardy because of the current imbroglio.

The Tea Board vide letter number 13 (23)/ ML/CL/2000/1178, dated 1 November, has asked the STAC to clarify `why appropriate action in terms of the provision of the Tea (Marketing) Control Order 1984 will not be taken against it for non-implementation of the Board’s directive.’

Sources in the tea circle feel that the development has turned the STAC’s suspension followed by the appointment of a government administrator at the Centre into a near certainty unless the STAC implements the new directive after convincing the tea buyers who are opposed to the directive.

The letter written by Mr Basudev Banerjee, deputy chairman of the Tea Board states that the new directive was supposed to be implemented from sale number 29 as had been resolved by the STAC’s general body. `It is understood that despite the decision of the general body, the STAC has not yet implemented the Board’s directive,’ the letter says.

The Tea Board has sought a reply from the STAC by 15 November. According to STAC officials, the functions of the auction committee will continue till such time the Tea Board asks to suspend. A reply to the Tea Board’s letter will be sent tomorrow, it was learnt. Lockout declared: The management of the Chengmari tea estate has declared a lockout of the plantation since yesterday following labour unrest.

With over 1200 hectare under tea, Chengmari is the largest plantation of the region and employs over 2500 workers.

According to the management, trouble broke out yesterday when some workers were hauled for reporting late in duty.

Angered by the move, the errant workers ganged up against the management officials, manhandled them and threatened with dire consequences unless the officials withdrew action taken against them. (10/11/2000) )

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