Guwahati, Oct 17: In a landmark announcement, Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday said that the State government will introduce a bill in the upcoming Assam Legislative Assembly session on November 25 to grant land ownership rights to tea garden workers living in the garden lines.
Speaking at a felicitation ceremony of Jhumoir Binandini artistes, trainers, and expert committee mmembers, the Chief Minister said that the initiative would fulfill a long-pending demand of the tea community and mark a historic step toward their social and economic empowerment.
“For the first time, tea garden workers will receive land ownership rights where they have lived for generations. This government is committed to ensuring dignity, stability, and progress for every worker and family in Assam’s tea gardens,” Dr. Sarma said.
At the event, the Chief Minister also flagged off 80 Sanjivini vehicles under the Pradhan Mantri Cha Shramik Protsahan Yojana to strengthen healthcare services in tea gardens and nearby areas across 30 districts.
He further highlighted several ongoing initiatives aimed at uplifting tea and indigenous communities — including the establishment of 120 new high and higher secondary schools in tea garden areas and plans to open another 100 schools by January 2026. The government has also reserved 30 MBBS seats in state medical colleges for students from tea and Adivasi communities and set aside 3% of Grade III and IV government jobs for them.
“Our aim is to ensure that every child in tea gardens goes to school and that the youth become doctors, engineers, professors, and scientists. The tea garden community must progress alongside other communities of Assam,” Dr. Sarma added.
Paying tribute to the tea and indigenous communities for their cultural and economic contributions, the Chief Minister described Jhumoir as a vibrant expression of Assam’s cultural identity. He recalled how nearly 8,000 artistes performed Jhumoir Binandini before Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 24 earlier this year and announced plans to showcase Jhumoir and other traditional dances at a major cultural event in New Delhi next year before ambassadors from across the world.
Union Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita, several State Ministers including Bimal Bora, Keshab Mahanta, Pijush Hazarika, Ajanta Neog, Rupesh Gowala, and other dignitaries were present at the event.
