KAMALPUR, Nov 25 (TIWN): The dream of co-operative movement and its success have long been shattered in this state. Like many other aspects and possibilities of co-operative ownership tea estates have also been collapsed and this subdivision has been experiencing the plight. More significantly, the plight of the labourers has turned so grave that life and living is at stake.

In this subdivision Aaichuk and Mayantuku have remained two most promising co-operative tea gardens. Both the gardens have been taken under the control of Industries and Commerce department in 2009 alongwith another co-operative tea garden Darangtilla Tea Estate. At present Aaichuk has collapsed for last two years and Mayantuku has also reached a complex situation.

One George Hrangkhawl has been appointed as the Administrator of the garden. Some two years ago Hrangkhwal allegedly has borrowed 3,30,000 rupees from Mayantuku and has not returned yet.  The staffs and labourers have informed it to the department but in vain. Moreover, for 70 labourers the garden has a gigantic management of one administrator, one manager, three clerks and other staffs. Still the management has started to sell the leaves at considerable lower rate than other gardens. And all these resulted to cease of payments from 8 November last. Yesterday the management has paid some labourers partially.

Many are of the view that Mayantuku which has been  started in the late 80s as a dream project of late Minister Bimal Singha, might have the fate of Aaichuk in near future. And the inability of Industries and Commerce department to run tea gardens would pace the ultimate ruin.