Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that the government will gradually increase the daily wages of tea garden workers to Rs 500 in the coming years.

Key Highlights

• The announcement was made as part of the government’s continued focus on the welfare of Assam’s tea tribe community and tea garden workers.
• The Chief Minister stated that tea workers are the backbone of Assam’s 200-year-old tea industry, which remains one of the State’s largest employment-generating sectors.
• The proposed wage increase will be implemented in a phased manner under the NDA government’s future development agenda.

Government Initiatives for Tea Garden Communities

• Between 2021 and 2026, the government established 118 model high schools in tea garden areas to improve educational access for children of tea workers.
• The State has now planned to establish 100 more model high schools between 2026 and 2031.
• Other welfare measures include:
  • Financial assistance schemes.
  • Scholarships for students.
  • Housing support.
  • Healthcare benefits.
  • Skill development programmes.

Exam Hook – Prelims Question

Consider the following statements regarding Assam’s tea industry:

1. Assam is one of the world’s largest tea-producing regions.
2. Tea garden workers in Assam largely belong to the Tea Tribe and Adivasi communities.
3. Tea cultivation in Assam began only after India’s independence.

Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (a)

One Line Wrap

• Assam’s proposed wage hike for tea workers reflects the growing emphasis on inclusive growth and welfare of the tea garden community.

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