Assam Launches Eti Koli Duti Paat Scheme for Tea Workers

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday launched the Mukhya Mantrir Eti Koli Duti Paat Scheme at Doomdooma in Tinsukia district, marking a major welfare initiative for tea garden workers. The scheme aims to recognise the contribution of tea tribes and indigenous communities and provide direct financial support across the state.

One-Time Financial Assistance for Tea Workers

Under the scheme, over Rs. 300 crore will be disbursed as a one-time assistance of Rs. 5,000 each to more than six lakh tea garden workers, including permanent and casual labourers. The benefit will cover workers across 836 tea gardens in 27 districts and 73 legislative assembly constituencies. The Chief Minister stated that budgetary provisions have been made to ensure timely and complete implementation of the scheme.

Childcare, Health and Workplace Dignity Measures

During the event, Sarma also inaugurated mobile creches and mobile toilet services for tea garden areas. These initiatives are intended to improve childcare, health, dignity and safety for workers, especially women. He said the launch of Eti Koli Duti Paat fulfilled an important election promise and reflected the government’s commitment to inclusive development.

Two Centuries of Assam’s Tea Industry

Highlighting the 200-year legacy of Assam’s tea industry, the Chief Minister said that while Assam tea is consumed across India and the world, the labour of tea workers often goes unnoticed. He emphasised that pride in Assam tea must be accompanied by pride in the workers who sustain the industry. Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Sarma recalled his long association with tea and his emphasis on improving the socio-economic conditions of tea garden communities.

Important Facts for Exams

• Mukhya Mantrir Eti Koli Duti Paat Scheme provides one-time assistance to tea workers in Assam.
• Over six lakh workers across 836 tea gardens are covered under the scheme.
• Assam’s tea industry has completed 200 years of commercial production.
• Tea tribes have been given 3% reservation under OBC in Grade III and IV jobs.

Land Rights, Education and Social Security Initiatives

Sarma announced that land rights will be granted to tea garden workers and indigenous families living in labour lines, with land titles to be issued after application from February. The land must remain with beneficiaries for at least 10 years and can be sold only to other tea workers. He highlighted expanded benefits under the Orunodoi scheme, new model schools in tea garden areas, reserved MBBS and paramedical seats, scholarships, self-employment assistance, mobile medical units, wage compensation for pregnant workers and cultural promotion through Jhumoir dance, reinforcing the government’s long-term focus on tea community welfare.