New Delhi — The World Bank group has defended the treatment of tea pickers at an Indian project it funds with the multinational Tata Global Beverages (TGB), dismissing criticism that thousands of workers were living in poor conditions. This week, four charities said little progress had been made to protect workers at India’s second largest tea producer in the north-eastern state of Assam — despite the World Bank group’s own watchdog raising concerns over low wages and poor housing. The International Finance Corporation (IFC) — which is part of the World Bank — invested $7.8m in the $87m project to help preserve jobs and raise standards for workers, but had been criticised for failing to do this. However an IFC spokesperson said more funds have been allocated to improve living standards, and employee councils formed to address complaints and boost workers’ say in company decisions. "There are the long-standing challenges within the tea industry in India. Across Assam and other tea pl...
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