Guwahati: With temperatures soaring across Assam, the state Labour Welfare Department on Friday (June 13) rescheduled the working hours for the tea garden workers across the state from the existing 8 am to 4 pm to 6 am to 2 pm.
The department stated that the decision has been taken in the interest of the health and welfare of tea garden workers.
The Labour Welfare Department issued a notification revising the existing tea garden work schedule from 8:00 AM–4:00 PM to 6:00 AM–2:00 PM until further notice.
“All District Commissioners, the Labour Commissioner, tea garden management associations, and unions have been directed to implement the changes and ensure workers’ safety,” the order stated.
The notification said that the new schedule will come into effect immediately.
The order, signed by Abhijit Baruah, Secretary to the Government of Assam, Labour Welfare Department, also seeks compliance from all stakeholders concerned.
Outdoor labourers, especially tea garden workers, face significant health and safety risks. Their working conditions expose them to extreme heat, require long hours of standing in harsh environments, and often lack access to drinking water facilities at their workplaces.
Earlier, in response to the ongoing heatwave, Assam Education Minister Ranoj Pegu directed District Commissioners (DCs) across the state to reschedule school timings based on local weather conditions.
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He urged all DCs to remain alert and make necessary adjustments to ensure the safety and well-being of students.
