Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday said the state government is aiming to increase the wages of tea garden workers to Rs 450 during its current tenure, while emphasising the need for joint efforts to strengthen the tea industry and expand its global footprint.
Speaking on the third day of the ongoing Assam Assembly session, Sarma said tea workers in the state had already witnessed a notable rise in wages under the present administration. He stated that the government had increased daily wages to nearly Rs 300 and described the next target of Rs 450 as an important responsibility before the government.
The chief minister said achieving the proposed wage level would require coordinated efforts from all stakeholders associated with the tea sector. He stressed that greater growth and stronger market positioning of Assam’s tea industry would be essential in supporting such a move.
Sarma further said Assam must focus on ensuring that its tea industry strengthens its position in international markets. He noted that the coming five years would play a significant role in the state’s larger economic development strategy.
Highlighting broader development priorities, he said the government intends to modernise and reinforce sectors that contribute significantly to rural livelihoods and employment generation. Along with the tea sector, Sarma also underlined the importance of strengthening agriculture and cottage industries to drive long-term economic growth.
The chief minister said the government plans to dedicate the coming years to boosting productivity, creating sustainable income opportunities and expanding economic prospects for workers and rural communities across the state.
His remarks come amid continued demands from tea workers’ organisations seeking higher wages and improved welfare measures in Assam’s tea estates, one of the state’s largest employment-generating sectors.
