The Aryavarth Express
Dibrugarh, March 25: Tea garden workers, one of the largest and most significant voter groups in Assam, are expected to play a decisive role in the upcoming Assembly elections. In the tea-growing regions of Upper Assam, livelihood concerns have emerged as a major election issue.
Workers in tea estates around Dibrugarh say their primary challenges include low wages, rising living costs, and inadequate basic facilities. Many workers report earning a daily wage of about ₹250, which they say is insufficient to sustain their households amid increasing expenses.
Deepanjali Manki, a tea garden worker, highlighted the harsh working conditions. She said workers often toil in extreme weather, with fields becoming slippery and difficult during rains, making their jobs even more challenging. She stressed that wages should increase in line with inflation.
Arti, a tea plucker with over 13 years of experience, echoed similar concerns. She noted that wages have remained stagnant despite rising costs and added that workers often have to walk long distances on poorly maintained roads to reach their workplaces.
Women workers, who make up a large portion of the workforce, also raised issues related to heavy workloads, long hours, and limited access to healthcare. Rising household expenses continue to add to their difficulties.
Danish Khadiya, a supervisor in a tea estate, pointed out that workers are struggling with increasing costs, particularly in education. He also noted that many workers are yet to receive land rights and that access to essential services like ration supplies varies across tea gardens. Health issues among women workers due to prolonged and difficult working conditions were also highlighted.
Assam Chah Janjati Chatra Union president Acharya Sahu emphasized that wage concerns remain central to the community. He called for a substantial increase in daily wages and highlighted other issues such as lack of sanitation facilities, poor road connectivity, and absence of protective gear like raincoats and boots.
Chakradhar Gogoi, a candidate from the Khowang constituency, acknowledged the importance of tea garden communities in the elections and assured continued focus on development initiatives, including electricity, education, employment, and infrastructure.
With a large number of tea garden workers and their families forming a crucial voter base, their concerns are expected to significantly influence the election outcome.
The Assembly elections in Assam are scheduled to be held in a single phase on April 9, with vote counting set for May 4. The contest is expected to be primarily between the BJP-led NDA government, headed by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, and the Congress party, in the 126-seat विधानसभा.
