Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram today said the Centre is not aware of closed tea gardens in the Terai-Dooars area of West Bengal.
"Tea is both Centre and state subject. But the Centre is not aware of closed tea gardens here, or alleged malnutrition deaths," Oram, who was at Gayerkata to inaugurate a tribal boys hostel in Jalpaiguri district said.
The Centre would have extended help had the West Bengal sought it, he said while replying to questions by reporters.
A total 23 tea gardens in the area is not functioning for over six months causing thousands of tea workers to face an uncertain future.
