Assam’s Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, introduced the Mukhya Mantrir Eti Koli Duti Paat scheme in Doomdooma, Tinsukia district, providing Rs 5,000 one-time financial aid to over six lakh tea garden workers in the state. This initiative, valuing the workers’ significant role in Assam’s tea industry, will disburse over Rs 300 crore to workers in 836 tea gardens across 27 districts and 73 Assembly constituencies.
Sarma emphasized the government’s commitment to enhancing the socio-economic status of tea garden workers and indigenous communities, fulfilling a crucial electoral promise. Adequate budget allocations have been secured for the effective implementation of the scheme, ensuring its success.
The Chief Minister highlighted the importance of recognizing the labor of tea workers, who often go unnoticed despite the global prominence of Assam tea. He inaugurated mobile crèches and toilet services to support childcare, health, and dignity for these workers, aiming to provide safer working conditions.
Underlining various welfare initiatives, Sarma mentioned the provision of 3% reservation for tea tribes and indigenous groups in Grade III and IV government jobs under the OBC category. Additionally, plans to grant land rights to families residing in tea garden labor lines are underway, with distribution of application forms starting in early February.
