Assam Proposes Sale of Andrew Yule Tea Gardens Amid Financial Crisis

The Assam Tea Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (TEPFO) has proposed selling tea gardens managed by Andrew Yule & Co. Ltd. due to severe financial difficulties. The PSU, operating 10-15 gardens in Assam, faces delays in wage payments and declining credit ratings. TEPFO Vice Chairman Terash Gowala suggested selling the gardens to private entities for better management, with a warning against repurposing the land, which could harm workers’ livelihoods. Assam Chief Secretary Ravi Kota also sought intervention from the Union Ministry, suggesting options like loans or asset monetisation to address the financial stress impacting around 8,000 workers and their families.