Assam Passes Bill to Grant Land Rights to Tea Garden Workers

The Assam Assembly on Friday passed the Land Ceiling Amendment Bill, 2025, allowing tea garden workers living in labour lines to receive land pattas.

The Opposition supported the move but demanded changes, while ruling party members called it a historic step. Debate turned heated when AIUDF pressed for inclusion of char area residents.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the law corrects a “historic injustice” and ensures dignity for workers who have lived without ownership for generations. Under the Bill, allotted land cannot be sold for 20 years and only to another tea worker family.

Despite disruptions, the Bill was passed, marking a key step toward securing housing rights for thousands of tea garden families in Assam.