Guwahati: Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma today attended the 19th biennial general conference of the Assam Tea Tribe Students’ Association (ATTSA) and the central biennial conference of the Assam Tea Tribe Women’s Association at the Mariani College playground in Jorhat district.
Paying tribute to ATTSA founders Simon Singh Horo and Santosh Topno, Dr. Sarma recalled the association’s 77-year-long struggle to secure the rights of tea garden workers, free them from exploitation, and promote education within the community. He said ATTSA’s relentless efforts over decades have improved the lives of tea workers, ended exploitation by owners, and empowered the youth to pursue education and engage with the wider world.
The Chief Minister highlighted the tea community’s significant contributions to Assam’s social, cultural, and economic life and lauded ATTSA’s role in fostering education, culture, and sports among tea garden youth. “For over 200 years, the tea community has enriched Assam. Since our government assumed office, we have consistently worked for their welfare and advancement,” he said.
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On education, Dr. Sarma announced the establishment of 115 high schools in tea garden areas, with 100 more to open by January next year. He also highlighted the increase of reserved MBBS seats from three to four for tea community students and 3% reservation in Grade III and IV government jobs, benefiting around 1,000 youth. Additionally, he announced 3% reservation in Class I and II State government jobs, including the Assam Civil Service (ACS) and Assam Police Service (APS), starting this year.
The Chief Minister also spoke about government initiatives to improve tea garden infrastructure, including pucca roads, housing under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, and safe drinking water. He further announced a bill to be introduced in the Assam Legislative Assembly in November granting ownership of land in tea garden lines to workers.
Dr. Sarma reiterated that the present government has achieved milestones for the tea community unmatched by previous administrations, recognizing their invaluable contribution in introducing Assam to the world through tea. The event was attended by Agriculture Minister Atul Bora, Minister Rupesh Gowala, MP Kamakhya Prasad Tasa, MLAs Rupjyoti Kurmi and Sanjay Kishan, former Union Minister Paban Singh Ghatowar, ATTSA leaders, Padma Shri awardee Dulal Manki, and other dignitaries.
