Guwahati, July 19, 2025 — In a major announcement aimed at empowering tea garden workers, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has declared that ₹342 crore has been approved under a new scheme titled “Eti Koli, Duti Paat”, which will benefit 7 lakh tea garden workers and employees across the state.
The Chief Minister, through a post on X (formerly Twitter), stated that the Assam Cabinet approved the proposal during a meeting held on Thursday. As part of the initiative, each eligible tea garden worker will receive a one-time financial assistance of ₹5,000 as a mark of gratitude for their tireless contribution to Assam’s tea industry.
“Soon, 7 lakh workers and employees of Assam’s tea gardens will get ₹5,000 each as a token of appreciation for their efforts in building a resilient tea sector. We passed the proposal in the #AssamCabinet meeting yesterday. Eti Koli, Duti Paat — a Gratitude,” the Chief Minister wrote.
Soon, 7 lakh workers and employees of Assam's tea gardens will get ₹5,000 each as a token of appreciation for their efforts in building a resilient tea sector.
We passed the proposal in the #AssamCabinet meeting yesterday.
Eti Koli, Duti Paat- a Gratitude 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/ANRfdQR2B0
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) July 19, 2025
The announcement was accompanied by a poster highlighting the government’s commitment to “Empowering Assam’s Cha Shramiks”, depicting tea garden workers at work in Assam’s lush green plantations.
The ₹342 crore allocation underlines the state government’s focus on the welfare of Assam’s tea community, who form the backbone of one of the state’s most iconic and vital industries. Tea production in Assam not only supports lakhs of families but also contributes significantly to India’s export earnings.
The term “Eti Koli, Duti Paat”, rooted in Assamese culture, symbolizes simplicity and humility, and in this context, reflects the government’s appreciation for the dignity of labour exhibited by tea garden workers.
This latest initiative follows a series of welfare measures introduced by the Assam government in recent years for tea workers, including health schemes, educational aid for children, wage support, and housing benefits.
The move has received widespread appreciation across social media and from leaders in the tea industry. Many have praised the government for recognizing the contribution of labourers who sustain Assam’s globally renowned tea economy.
More details about the scheme’s disbursal mechanism, eligibility criteria, and timelines are expected to be announced soon by the concerned departments.
