Doomdooma, Jan 25: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has announced a significant enhancement of educational infrastructure in tea garden areas as part of efforts to empower tea garden families. During the formal launch of the “Eti Koli, Duti Paat” welfare scheme in Doomdooma, Sarma revealed that every tea garden worker, whether permanent or casual, will receive Rs 5,000.
The government estimates that approximately 603,927 tea workers across Assam will benefit from this initiative. “As part of the Assam government budget, in celebration of 200 years of the tea industry, we introduced a scheme to provide Rs 5,000 to every worker. We are commencing this from Doomdooma, and within the next ten days, eligible workers will receive their funds,” Sarma stated.
Additionally, the Chief Minister announced plans to build 100 new high schools in tea garden regions, supplementing the existing 120 high schools already established. “These initiatives are not merely symbolic. They are designed to ensure that the next generation of tea workers’ children have access to quality education nearby, empowering them to aspire for the highest positions,” he emphasized.
Sarma also highlighted a notable expansion in job reservations for children of tea garden workers, specifying that 3% of Grade I and Grade II government positions will now be reserved for them, extending existing reservations for Grade III and Grade IV roles. “We will ensure provisions so that children of tea workers can compete for Grade I and Grade II positions. From now on, they can even become magistrates,” he remarked.
These measures aim to foster long-term social mobility and enhance representation of tea garden families in higher levels of administration, striving to dismantle the historical barriers faced by this community. Although these initiatives are specific to Assam, Sarma indicated that they could serve as a model for welfare and educational strategies in tea-growing regions throughout the Northeast, where similar challenges persist regarding access and opportunities.
The “Eti Koli, Duti Paat” scheme alongside educational and job reservation initiatives forms a vital component of Assam’s broader policy to commemorate two centuries of the tea industry and improve support systems for one of the state’s largest economically significant communities.
Original Source: https://assamtribune.com/assam/assam-launches-eti-koli-duti-paat-rs-5000-aid-100-schools-for-tea-workers-1605508
Category: Assam,Featured
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Publish Date: 2026-01-25 17:55:00
