The Darjeeling tea states were first planted by the British in the 1800s and continue to operate in the same feudal manner over 150 years later. The estates operate as economic production units and social institutions, controlling all aspects of the lives of those who live and work there. Employees are often deprived of their fundamental rights and entitlements and unaware of the available statutory and legal remedies.
Darjeeling Mary Ward Social Centre’s Legal Aid initiative, funded by Mary Ward International Australia since 2023, works to address this power imbalance. It provides vulnerable tea plantation workers access to a network of legal advisors known as ‘barefoot lawyers’.
Rajmuni’s dedication to justice and her deep commitment to improving the lives of those living in the tea plantations of Darjeeling inspired her to join the MWIA-funded Legal Aid program as a ‘barefoot lawyer’.
Living on a tea plantation herself, Rajmuni witnessed firsthand the unjust working conditions experienced by her friends and neighbours, including poor pay, denial of benefits, and in some cases, forced labour. Many of these issues have broader social implications, such as increased vulnerability to family violence, sexual abuse and human trafficking, all of which disproportionately impact women.
The living conditions of tea workers also present significant challenges, with many residing in substandard housing located within the estates where they are employed. These houses typically lack proper sanitation and access to clean water. Exposure to chemicals used on tea plantations poses further health risks to the workers, and poor medical facilities exacerbate these problems. There is little scope for quality education for children; in many cases, they work in the plantations instead of attending school.
While not formally qualified in law, ‘barefoot lawyers’ are frontline workers who have received training to guide and support community members in legal matters, including worker exploitation, family violence, and human trafficking. When a barefoot lawyer cannot resolve an issue, a qualified lawyer is engaged.
Barefoot lawyers are crucial in bridging the gap between the community and government legal services available to them. They assist community members in navigating the legal system effectively by accompanying them to legal clinics or police stations to access legal advice or lodge formal complaints.
As community leaders, barefoot lawyers educate others about fundamental legal principles and practices and equip them with the skills to actively protect their rights and pursue justice for themselves. These efforts contribute to creating a culture of legal knowledge and accountability within the tea plantations.
Barefoot lawyers also play a vital leadership role in effecting greater social change by advocating for legislative reform, upholding human rights principles, and challenging injustice.
Becoming a barefoot lawyer has profoundly impacted Rajmuni’s sense of self-esteem and purpose in life. As she has immersed herself in this leadership role, Rajmuni’s growing confidence in her abilities has given her a sense of fulfillment from helping others know and defend their rights through the legal system.
Since becoming a barefoot lawyer, Rajmuni has learned much about the legal rights of all people in India, which has helped her handle a wide range of issues. Her experience in the role has also given her deeper insight into the legal, social, and economic challenges those living on tea estates face. This empathy has helped her to advocate more successfully for justice and equality, particularly for women.
Rajmuni has developed strong conflict resolution skills, which have proven effective in addressing many concerns at the local level without the need for escalation to the legal system. This ability to resolve conflict locally has been highly beneficial, as it has led to quicker and more amicable solutions while reducing the burden on formal legal processes.
As a barefoot lawyer, Rajmuni has developed her own extensive rights network. She collaborates with other activists, leaders, community organisers, and legal experts to advocate for change. She continues to develop the strength and perseverance essential to deal with legal problems and has become a role model for her peers and a driving force for positive change.
As a newly established leader in her community, Rajmuni is committed to gaining a deeper understanding of the challenges and obstacles facing all people in India. To better address these issues, she is actively pursuing a formal education in legal studies, human rights, and social justice. By combining education with her advocacy and community engagement work, Rajmuni can meaningfully improve the lives of marginalised people in her community and contribute to broader social change in India.
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