Tea Garden Workers Hope for Freedom as Land Rights Bill Introduced

The Assam Fixation of Ceiling on Land Holding (Amendment) Bill, 2025 has sparked hope among tea garden workers, many of whom have long struggled without land ownership despite generations of labour. The bill aims to provide land rights, potentially ending the system where children must replace retired workers to retain family quarters.

Workers say the change could protect future generations from forced labour and loss of housing. However, trade unions raised concerns over eligibility criteria, inheritance disputes and lack of clarity on unused tea garden land.

Leaders urged the government to define implementation details and ensure the promise does not remain an election-time assurance.