Assam's Tea Garden Workers to Receive Land Rights After 200 Years

In a significant move, the Assam government has decided to grant land rights to tea garden workers, a community that has faced landlessness for over 200 years. This initiative aims to resolve various issues, including access to loans and the ability to secure bail for arrested individuals. Senior ACMS leader Bhadra Rajwar expressed optimism about the changes, highlighting the importance of land ownership for personal identity. The scheme will initially be implemented in gardens managed by the Assam Tea Corporation, paving the way for a brighter future for these workers. This development marks a crucial step in recognizing the rights and dignity of the tea garden labor community.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 2, 2025, 09:10 IST

Land Rights for Tea Garden Workers in Assam

Guwahati, Dec 2: For over two centuries, tea garden laborers in Assam have lived as landless individuals. Despite their integration into Assamese society, a persistent feeling of insecurity has remained.

According to Bhadra Rajwar, a senior leader of the Assam Chah Mazdoor Sangha (ACMS), the government's recent initiative to allocate land to tea garden workers is set to address numerous challenges faced by this community.

In an interview, Rajwar expressed satisfaction with the government's decision, emphasizing that land ownership is crucial to personal identity. He noted that after 200 years, these workers will finally have their own land.

Rajwar highlighted that previously, tea garden workers were unable to secure bank loans due to the lack of land for collateral. This forced them to rely on private lenders, often at exorbitant interest rates. However, this issue is now resolved.

Another significant concern was the inability of garden workers to secure bail for arrested individuals. Many faced prolonged incarceration even after being granted bail, as the bailer needed to possess land, which the workers did not have.

Additionally, tea workers were restricted from making any improvements to their labor line housing, including basic renovations or the construction of shelters. This limitation will also be addressed with the new land rights.

When asked if garden owners would permit land allotments in labor lines, Rajwar indicated that the scheme would initially be rolled out in gardens managed by the Assam Tea Corporation.

He explained that since many gardens operate on leased government land, there should be no obstacles in granting land rights within labor lines. The government will not seize plantation land, factories, or clubs, further easing the process of land allotment for tea workers.

The establishment of tea plantations in Assam dates back to the British colonial era, with many workers originating from regions like Chota Nagpur and Santhal Pargana. This diverse group included various ethnic communities such as the Munda, Kharía, and Santhal.

Many workers perished from illness during their journey to Assam, and those who attempted to escape often faced fatal consequences for breaching their contracts. Over time, this diverse group of tea workers has forged a collective identity as the 'Tea Garden Labour Community.'