Assam CM Launches ‘Mukhya Mantrir Eti Koli Duti Paat’ Scheme for Tea Garden Workers in Tinsukia

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday launched the Mukhya Mantrir ‘Eti Koli Duti Paat’ scheme in Tinsukia district, announcing a major welfare initiative aimed at supporting tea garden workers across the state.
Under the scheme, the Assam government will provide one-time financial assistance of ₹5,000 to more than six lakh tea garden workers, including both permanent and casual labourers. The benefit will cover workers from 836 tea gardens spread across 27 districts of Assam, with the total financial outlay estimated at over ₹300 crore.
Launching the scheme at a public programme in Doomdooma, Sarma said the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to improving the socio-economic conditions of tea garden communities, which have played a vital role in shaping Assam’s economy and identity over the past two centuries. He noted that the scheme was announced as part of the government’s broader vision for inclusive development ahead of the 200-year celebration of Assam’s tea industry.
The Chief Minister also inaugurated mobile creche facilities and mobile toilet services for tea gardens, aimed at improving childcare, sanitation and safety for workers, especially women. He said these measures would help address long-standing issues related to health, dignity and working conditions in tea estates.
Highlighting other initiatives for tea tribes and indigenous communities, Sarma said the state government has introduced three per cent reservation for these groups in Grade III and Grade IV government jobs. He also announced plans to grant land pattas to eligible labour line residents, with applications set to be distributed in the coming weeks.
The Chief Minister further pointed to improvements in education and healthcare access in tea garden areas, including the establishment of model schools, deployment of mobile medical units, and reserved seats for tea garden community students in medical and paramedical courses.
Senior ministers, local legislators, district officials and a large number of tea garden workers attended the programme. The state government said the scheme is part of a series of targeted interventions aimed at ensuring social security, economic support and long-term empowerment of Assam’s tea garden communities.