Assam Passes Landmark Bill Granting Land Rights to Tea Workers

Assam has enacted a significant amendment aimed at correcting a long-standing inequity faced by tea garden workers. The new legislation ensures legal land ownership for families residing in labour lines across tea estates, a move the state government has termed a “historic course correction”.

Key Provisions of the Amendment

The Assam Fixation of Ceiling of Land Holdings (Amendment) Act, 2025 removes labour lines from the category of land used for ancillary purposes in tea cultivation. This change enables the formal allotment of residential land to tea worker families. The government will notify the size of plots to be granted and compensate affected parties at an estimated cost exceeding Rs 65 crore.

Political Reactions and Assembly Protests

Debate in the assembly was intense, with the opposition AIUDF demanding similar rights for residents of riverine char areas. Their legislators entered the well of the House with slogans and posters, prompting counter-chants from ruling party members. Despite the uproar, the bill was passed by voice vote, after which AIUDF staged a walkout.

Government’s Justification and Future Commitments

The chief minister described the reform as rectifying a long-standing injustice toward the tea tribes. He added that surveys in char regions were underway and eligible residents there would also receive land rights in due course. The government announced additional financial assistance to help beneficiaries build houses on the newly allotted land.

Exam Oriented Facts

• Assam has 825 tea estates with labour colonies covering over 2 lakh bighas.
• The amendment removes labour lines from land classified as ancillary to special cultivation.
• Compensation is set at Rs 3,000 per bigha, totalling about Rs 65.57 crore.
• Opposition protests centred on extending similar rights to char area residents.

Significance for Assam’s Tea Workforce

For the first time, thousands of tea worker families will gain legal ownership of their homes, strengthening social security and enabling long-term settlement. The reform marks a structural shift in land policy, aiming to empower one of Assam’s oldest and most economically vital communities.