Guwahati, March 25: Tea garden workers, one of the largest and most influential voter groups in Assam, are expected to play a decisive role in the upcoming Assembly elections, with livelihood challenges dominating the political narrative across the tea-growing belt of Dibrugarh and surrounding areas.
Workers across several estates said stagnant wages, rising inflation and inadequate access to basic amenities continue to define their daily struggles. Many highlighted that the current wage of around Rs 250 per day falls short of meeting household expenses in the face of increasing costs. Labourers also pointed to the physically demanding nature of their work, carried out in difficult terrain and adverse weather conditions.
Long-time workers said earnings have not kept pace with inflation, making it increasingly difficult to sustain families. Poor road connectivity within tea estates further adds to their burden, with many required to walk considerable distances to reach their workplaces.
Women workers, who form a significant portion of the workforce, raised additional concerns over long working hours, limited healthcare access and health issues linked to prolonged labour in harsh conditions. Rising household expenses have further intensified financial pressure on families.
Supervisory staff also acknowledged growing distress among workers, citing uneven implementation of welfare schemes and lack of uniform access to facilities such as ration supplies. Concerns over pending land rights and increasing education costs for children were also highlighted.
Student organisations have reiterated the demand for a substantial wage revision. Representatives of the Assam Chah Janjati Chatra Union said marginal increases would not be sufficient to offset inflation and pointed to persistent gaps in infrastructure, including sanitation, roads and access to basic protective equipment.
Political leaders have recognised the electoral importance of the tea garden community. Candidates have indicated that development in tea garden areas, including improvements in infrastructure, employment opportunities and public services, will remain a key focus during the campaign.
With a significant voter base across Upper Assam, tea garden workers and their families are likely to influence the electoral outcome. Polling for the 126-member Assembly is scheduled for April 9, with counting set for May 4, as the contest shapes up between the BJP-led NDA under Himanta Biswa Sarma and the Congress.
