Guwahati, December 1 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma, has once again emphasized his administration's dedication to enhancing the welfare of the state's tea garden community, noting that the trust of the people serves as the “guiding force” for ongoing welfare initiatives.

In a post shared on X, Sarma remarked, “The trust and expectations of our citizens direct every action we take. Our government is devoted to empowering our tea garden community in every aspect. The allocation of land rights in tea estate labor lines marks a significant milestone in our joint efforts to provide security and dignity.”

The Chief Minister's comments arrive as the state implements several of its most impactful initiatives aimed at the tea tribe population, whose hard work is integral to Assam's renowned tea industry.

The groundbreaking resolution to grant land rights to tea garden workers residing in labor-line areas is viewed as a pivotal change. For many years, these workers have lived on estate land without legal ownership, making them susceptible to displacement and hindering their access to governmental welfare programs associated with land titles.

The recent legislative amendment permitting the issuance of pattas in these regions is anticipated to assist countless families, offering long-awaited security of tenure and a route toward improved housing, access to credit, and social upliftment.

This initiative also aligns with the government's broader agenda of assimilating tea garden workers into mainstream development. Over the last year, Assam has introduced multiple targeted strategies for this community.

The Rs 342-crore welfare package under the “Eti Koli, Duti Paat” scheme aims to provide financial support to approximately seven lakh workers and employees.

The education sector has received a significant boost, with the announcement of 100 new high schools in tea garden regions, in addition to more than 120 established in recent years. This effort aims to bridge the longstanding gaps in educational infrastructure contributing to low literacy rates in the community.

Healthcare has also been prioritized, with the introduction of dedicated ambulances for tea estates and a renewed focus on maternal health, nutrition, and disease prevention. Moreover, skill development, housing subsidies, and job-linked training programs have seen significant expansion.

For a community historically defined by socio-economic challenges, these measures signify a shift toward dignity, opportunity, and stability. As Sarma articulated, land rights represent not merely an administrative reform but a restoration of self-respect for Assam’s tea garden workers — a group central to the state's identity and economy.