Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that the BJP-led government in the state has increased the wages of tea garden workers by more than 40% since 2021. Sarma criticized previous Congress governments, accusing them of neglecting the community for decades. The Chief Minister highlighted that the daily wages of tea garden workers have been raised by Rs 30, with workers in the Brahmaputra Valley now receiving Rs 280 per day and those in the Barak Valley getting Rs 258 per day.
Sarma emphasized that the wage hike is part of the government’s efforts to recognize the significant contribution of tea garden workers, whom he referred to as the “backbone” of Assam’s tea industry. In addition to the wage increases, the government has also taken steps to address longstanding issues affecting tea garden communities. These measures include granting land rights, providing reservation benefits, and implementing welfare schemes to enhance living conditions in tea garden areas.
The Chief Minister further stated that these initiatives aim to correct what he described as a “historical injustice” faced by the tea garden community in Assam. The state’s tea industry, which employs a large population of tea garden workers, plays a crucial role in the economy and supports livelihoods across various districts.
