Assam Government Hikes Daily Wages for State-Run Tea Garden Workers to ₹250

PTI,  Guwahati, May 21 :  The Assam government has announced an increase in the daily wages for workers in state-run tea gardens from ₹220 to ₹250, effective October 1, 2025. The announcement was made on the occasion of International Tea Day on Wednesday.

The decision to bring the daily wage of workers of Assam Tea Corporation Ltd (ATCL) gardens at par with those employed by other tea estates was taken at a cabinet meeting held in Dergaon, Golaghat district.

“On #InternationalTeaDay, I am happy to share that all Cha Shramiks of ATCL tea gardens will get ₹250/day as daily wages from October 1, 2025 — up from ₹220/day now,” Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma posted on X.

Workers in tea gardens in the Brahmaputra Valley have already been receiving ₹250 per day since October 2023, while those in the Barak Valley are currently paid ₹228 per day.

Earlier in the day, CM Sarma extended greetings to the tea garden community on the occasion of International Tea Day and highlighted the industry’s rich legacy in Assam.

“On #InternationalTeaDay, I extend my best wishes to our tea garden community,” he wrote on X. “The tea tribes are an intrinsic part of Assam’s society and have enriched our culture over the last 200 years. Our government has taken a host of steps to empower and uplift them over the last four years.”

He further noted that the tea industry has played a significant role in shaping Assam's identity and economy.

“Celebrating 200 years of Assam Tea, and as a mark of recognition for its contributions, our government will provide ₹5,000 as one-time financial aid to over 7 lakh tea garden workers,” Sarma added.

The Chief Minister also shared a short video highlighting various welfare measures initiated for the tea garden community. These include the establishment of model schools, deployment of mobile medical units, and wage compensation for pregnant workers.