Assam: Tea Estate Workers Protest Against Privatization And Demand Settlement Of Dues In Sribhumi

SRIBHUMI: The workers of the Isabheel Tea Estate in Assam's Sribhumi district has taken to the streets demanding the settlement of arrears and also voicing their grievances for the privatization of the estate. On Sunday, male and female workers along with representatives from the garden panchayat gathered in front of the Ichabil Mazdoor Sangh office demanding their rights for settling the arrears before the estate is handed over to private management.

Raj Kurmi, president of the garden panchayat, informed reporters that they received information about the planned privatization of the government-operated tea garden. In response, workers raised concerns about the settlement of their pending payments, the provision of rations, and the allocation of housing for laborers. They also called for the employment of family members of retired workers instead of hiring new laborers, emphasizing that the government-mandated daily wage for workers is set at Rs 228.

Raju Barai, vice-president of the garden panchayat, and assistant secretary Uttam Rabidas highlighted that despite the factory's prolonged closure, workers have kept the garden operational. They have shown unity during challenging times and are now insisting on fair conditions as the privatization process unfolds.

In addition, the workers are demanding that gratuity dues be settled and family members of the existing workers be recruited. They have approached Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and local MLA Krishnendu Paul to appeal to them for the cause, which privatization will bring about to their livelihoods.

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