The Assam government has launched the Mukhya Mantrir Eti Koli Duti Paat Scheme at Doomdooma in Tinsukia district. The scheme provides one-time financial assistance of Rs. 5,000 each to more than six lakh tea garden workers, including permanent and casual workers, across 836 tea gardens in 27 districts and 73 Assembly constituencies. The initiative comes as Assam marks 200 years of its tea industry.
Scheme Benefits and Coverage
- Over Rs. 300 crore will be disbursed under the scheme.
- Each eligible tea garden worker will receive Rs. 5,000 as direct financial support.
- The benefit covers 6,03,927 workers and employees in tea-growing constituencies.
- The scheme is presented as a fulfilment of a state election promise.
Support for Tea Garden Workers
- Mobile creches and mobile toilet services have also been inaugurated.
- These services aim to improve child care, health, dignity, and workplace safety.
- The government has linked the scheme to wider welfare measures for tea tribes and indigenous communities.
- Tea workers have been described as central to Assam’s tea economy and social life.
Wider Welfare Measures
- A 3% reservation has been provided for tea tribes and indigenous communities in Grade III and Grade IV state jobs under the OBC category.
- Land rights will be granted to tea garden workers and indigenous families living in labour lines.
- Model schools, mobile medical units, scholarships, and reserved seats in medical and paramedical courses have been expanded.
- Additional support includes self-employment aid, community halls, skill centres, and wage compensation for pregnant women workers.
Tea Industry and Community Recognition
- Assam’s tea industry has completed two centuries since the British-era expansion of tea cultivation.
- Jhumoir dance has been brought into light as a cultural symbol of the tea community.
- Tea workers are being honoured across tea-growing constituencies as part of the bicentenary observance.
- The government has also expanded Orunodoi coverage and other welfare support for tea garden households.