In a welcome relief for thousands of distressed workers, the Government of West Bengal has announced a one-time ex-gratia grant of ₹1500 per head for the year 2025. The financial assistance is aimed at helping workers celebrate Puja or Eid, and it comes as a gesture of solidarity with those impacted by industrial closures.
According to the official notification dated 06 May 2025, issued by the Labour Department, this ex-gratia amount will be disbursed to all eligible beneficiaries under the Financial Assistance to the Workers in Locked Out Industrial Units (FAWLOI) scheme. This includes workers from closed tea gardens, who are among the most economically vulnerable.
Key Highlights:
- Amount Sanctioned: ₹1500 (Rupees one thousand five hundred) per worker.
- Purpose: One-time Puja or Eid ex-gratia relief.
- Beneficiaries: Workers under the FAWLOI scheme, including closed tea garden workers.
- Eligibility Date: Workers must be eligible for FAWLOI payment for the month of September 2025.
The initiative reflects the government’s ongoing commitment to support economically distressed industrial workers during key festive periods. As per officials, the ex-gratia amount will be disbursed directly to the eligible individuals through existing channels under the FAWLOI scheme.
This relief is expected to bring some financial respite and enable workers to celebrate their festivals with dignity and joy, despite their ongoing employment challenges.
