Assam Tea Garden Workers See Inclusion Boost with Jobs, Land Rights

Assam Cabinet Minister Rupesh Gowala said tea garden communities are witnessing unprecedented inclusion under Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. He highlighted a 3% reservation that has opened government jobs for tea garden youth, calling it a step toward dignity after decades of marginalisation.

Gowala said the state’s decision to allot up to one bigha of land to eligible tea workers is historic, with safeguards against distress sales. Acknowledging wage concerns, he said the government has initiated steps to raise daily wages—currently ₹228 in Barak Valley and ₹250 in Brahmaputra Valley—with formal action expected soon. He added that other long-pending issues of tea workers will be addressed in phases.