Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday said the state government’s decision to provide three per cent reservation to the tea garden community in government jobs has secured the future of the long-marginalised group by ensuring dignity, opportunity and fair representation.
Addressing the issue, Sarma said the reservation was not merely a numerical provision but a meaningful pathway to social and economic empowerment for the Tea Tribe community.
He pointed out that the policy has already translated into tangible outcomes, with at least 5,500 appointment letters recently handed over to successful candidates for various government posts, including beneficiaries from tea garden families under the three per cent quota.
The chief minister said the move had opened new avenues for the community, enabling beneficiaries to serve in government roles and lead lives with dignity and stability.
He added that the response from those who secured jobs reflected the positive impact of the government’s initiatives.
Sarma also highlighted a separate legislative step taken to address long-standing grievances of tea garden workers.
Last month, the Assam Legislative Assembly passed the Assam Fixation of Ceiling on Land Holdings (Amendment) Bill, 2025, aimed at granting land rights to nearly three lakh tea garden workers for the first time in the state.
ALSO READ: Delivery boy dies by suicide after public assault; three arrested from Assam
He said the amendment would bring security and stability to thousands of families who have lived on tea garden land for generations without legal ownership.
Under the revised provisions, land pattas will be issued for the plots currently occupied by workers, formally recognising their right to shelter and livelihood.
To protect beneficiaries from exploitation, Sarma said the allotted land cannot be sold for 20 years.
Even after the lock-in period, any transfer will be allowed only within the tea garden community to ensure that the benefits remain with the intended group.
Referring to broader welfare measures, the chief minister also cited the reservation of MBBS seats for students from the tea community as another key intervention aimed at long-term social upliftment.
