Himanta launches welfare scheme to uplift tea workers
Honouring the priceless contribution of tea garden workers to Assam’s 200 year old tea industry, Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma today launched the Mukhya Mantrir Eti Koli Duti Paat Scheme at Doomdooma in Tinsukia district today.
It may be noted that over Rs 300 crore will be disbursed as a one-time Rs 5000 financial assistance to more than six lakh tea garden workers both permanent and casual across 836 tea gardens at 27 districts and 73 legislative assembly constituencies. Comme-morating the occasion, Chief Minister Sarma also inaugurated mobile creches and mobile toilet services to ensure child care, health, dignity and safer work environment for the work forces. Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Sarma said that launching of Eti Koli Duti Paat testified fulfilment of one more election promises of the present State Government.
He said that for the scheme budgetary allocation has been made to take the scheme to its successful logical conclusion. On this occasion, while delivering his address, Chief Minister Sarma moreover said that the tea tribes and the indigenous communities have made an immense contribution to the social life of Assam.
He said that after the British discovered tea plants in Assam and brought workers from different parts of India to cultivate tea, nearly 200 years have passed since that time. In other words, Assam’s tea industry has now completed 200 years. He said that in foreign countries as well as across India, people begin their day with a cup of Assam tea.
However, the people who worked tirelessly sweating in the fields to cultivate tea plants and produce tea leaves, often remain unseen. These hardworking people have sent Assam tea to every corner of the world. He emphasised that just as people take pride in Assam tea, they must also take pride in the tea workers.
Speaking about the long association of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Assam tea, the Chief Minister said that before going to school, Narendra Modi used to sell tea at his father’s tea stall at a railway station in Gujarat. He recalled the Prime Minister’s appeal to give equal importance to the socio-economic development of tea workers after assuming office and Stated that the present Government is making the highest efforts for the welfare of tea garden workers and their families.
Highlighting the steps taken by the State Government for tea garden and indigenous communities, he said that 3 per cent reservation has been provided for tea tribes and indigenous communities under the Other Backward Classes category in Grade III and Grade IV Government jobs. Additionally, land rights will be granted to tea garden workers and indigenous families living in labour lines. From early February, application forms will be distributed, and after submission, land titles (pattas) will be issued.
He noted that earlier many tea workers did not have bank accounts, but due to the Prime Minister’s initiative, they now have bank accounts, enabling monthly deposits under the Orunodoi Scheme.
Under the Shaheed Dayal Das Panika Self-Employment Scheme, financial assistance of Rs 25,000 has been provided to make youth self-reliant. Approval has been given for 500 community halls and skill centers in tea garden areas. 80 mobile medical units have been introduced, and pregnant women working in tea gardens will receive Rs 15,000 as wage compensation for nutritional support.
Tea garden football tournaments are being organized to promote sports talent. He described Jhumoir dance as a unique symbol of the energy and resilience of the tea community. Recognising its importance, the Government invited tea garden youth to Guwahati last year to showcase their dance before the world, and next year they will be taken to Delhi.
The event was attended by several ministers, MLAs, officials, district administrators, tea workers and representatives from various regions. The Chief Minister also inaugurated the welcome gate of Tea City Doomdooma, built by the Doomdooma Municipal Board.
