Guwahati: In a major announcement on International Tea Day, the Assam government declared a hike in daily wages for workers employed in state-run tea estates. Starting October 1, 2025, workers in tea gardens under Assam Tea Corporation Ltd (ATCL) will receive Rs. 250 per day, up from the current wage of Rs. 220.
The decision was taken during a state cabinet meeting held in Dergaon, Golaghat district, aimed at bringing parity between wages in government-owned tea gardens and those operated by private entities in the state.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma made the announcement on social media, stating, “All Cha Shramiks of ATCL tea gardens will receive Rs. 250/day as daily wages from October 1.”
He added that this move reflects the government’s continued commitment to improving the welfare of tea workers.
Wage disparities have existed across Assam’s tea-growing regions.
While workers in the Brahmaputra Valley have been earning Rs. 250 per day since October 2023, those in the Barak Valley currently receive Rs. 228 per day.
The new policy aligns ATCL workers’ wages with those of their counterparts in the Brahmaputra Valley.
Earlier in the day, the chief minister extended greetings to the tea garden community, recognising their contributions over the past two centuries.
“The tea tribes are an intrinsic part of Assam’s identity and have enriched its culture for over 200 years,” he posted, highlighting the sector’s historical and cultural significance.
ALSO READ: Australian lawmakers urge Bangladesh’s interim government to announce clear election plan
To mark the 200-year legacy of Assam Tea, Sarma also announced a one-time financial aid of Rs. 5,000 to be distributed among more than 7 lakh tea garden workers across the state.
The chief minister shared a video showcasing various welfare measures undertaken for the tea community in recent years.
These include the establishment of model schools, mobile medical units, and wage compensation schemes for pregnant workers.
