Fair Trade and Plantation Labor in Darjeeling

This chapter delves into the intricate relationship between fair trade practices and plantation labor in Darjeeling, questioning the efficacy of fair trade as a remedy for systemic labor issues. It highlights the paradox of fair trade plantations, where the historical implications of labor exploitation remain largely unaddressed. Through examining the aspirations of Gorkaland and the lived realities of workers, the chapter critiques the disconnect between political movements and genuine change in the lives of those marginalized by existing power dynamics.