The First Annual General Meeting of the Darjeeling Planters was held in 1873 to consult problems of the Darjeeling Tea Estates. Later in 1892, the Darjeeling Planter's Association (DPA) was formed. The association was affiliated to the Indian Tea Association (ITA) in 1910.

On 1st December, 1951, under the post-independence scenario, DPA in their last Extraordinary Meeting unanimously decided to dissolve the Association and transfer all its assets and liabilities to the newly formed Association called the Darjeeling Branch of the Indian Tea Association (DBITA).

Over the passage of time, the owners of Darjeeling Tea Estates, considering its unique nature, special problems and attention needed for the development, promotion and protection of Darjeeling Tea – decided unanimously to form a sole independent Association to address their common affairs.
On the 20th of December, 1983 the present ‘DARJEELING PLANTER'S ASSOCIATION’ was formed under the chairmanship of Mr. S.K. Bhasin, dissolving DBITA
Darjeeling Planter's Association, is one of the constituent member of the ‘Consultative Committee of Plantation Associations’ (CCPA) in India.

A few of the objectives of the Association are: -

To promote the common interests of all persons engaged in the cultivation and/or production and/or marketing and/or processing of Darjeeling Tea.

To promote and develop healthy relations in the Darjeeling Tea Industry.

To consider and discuss all matters connected with or related to the growing, cultivation, production and marketing of Darjeeling Tea and to enhance the contribution of the Darjeeling Tea Industry to the growth and development of the Indian economy.

To present to the Central Government, State Government, Institutions, Public Bodies, Authorities and/or Corporations, in or outside India, the views and interests of the Darjeeling Tea Industry and to seek and obtain their interest in and assistance for the development and protection of the Darjeeling Tea Industry.

To take all steps which may be necessary for promoting, supporting, opposing and/or changing legislation, notifications, orders or other measures affecting the Tea Industry and/or the persons engaged in the cultivation, production, processing or marketing of Darjeeling Tea.

The business affairs and funds of the Association are managed by the Governing Body headed by the Chairman elected at each Annual General Meeting of the Association.

Click here for the registered office address

Secretary at Registered Office:
Mr Kaushik Basu

The association has a branch office at Darjeeling. The affairs and business of the Branch are handled by the General Committee elected at each Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Branch held concurrently with the AGM of the Association.

Click here for the Branch office address

Secretary at the Branch:
Mr. Sandeep Mukherjee

Darjeeling Tea Association - Governing Body: 2006-2007

Members of Darjeeling Tea Association