Prime Minister Modi Grants Land Rights to Assam Tea Garden Workers

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently announced the granting of land ownership rights to tea garden workers in Assam, describing it as a way to repay a debt to the community. This initiative aims to improve housing security and access to welfare schemes for the workers. Alongside this, Modi launched several development projects worth over Rs 19,577 crore, including a hydro-electric project and railway electrification initiatives. The Chief Minister of Assam highlighted the importance of these measures in fulfilling the long-standing aspirations of the tea garden community, ensuring dignity and security for their families. The event marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to enhance the living conditions of tea workers in the region.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 13, 2026, 20:22 IST

Land Ownership Rights for Tea Garden Workers

Guwahati, March 13: On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the importance of granting land ownership rights to tea garden workers in Assam, describing it as a way to 'repay a debt' to this community.

At the land patta distribution event held at Jyoti Bishnu Auditorium in Khanapara, the Prime Minister presented land pattas to tea garden workers, marking a significant step for a community that has labored in tea estates for generations without secure land ownership.

Modi stated, 'Honoring tea garden workers is akin to repaying a debt for me.' He reflected on how the tea produced by these workers has traveled throughout the country, even reaching Gujarat, where he once sold tea. 'Today, I have the chance to serve the very community that shaped my journey,' he added.

This initiative aims to enhance housing security and access to welfare programs, allowing tea workers to benefit from institutional credit and other financial advantages.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, speaking at the event, noted that the distribution of land pattas fulfills a long-held aspiration of the tea garden community.

'As the Assam tea industry approaches its 200th anniversary, it is crucial that the workers who built this industry receive land rights. Today, we are providing land pattas to tea garden workers, ensuring dignity and security for their families,' Sarma remarked.

He further mentioned that the state government has introduced various welfare initiatives for tea workers, including job reservations in government positions and medical colleges, improved drinking water facilities, better roads in labor lines, and expanded educational opportunities for their children.

'Nearly seven lakh tea garden workers have received financial support under the Eti Koli Duti Paat scheme, while other welfare programs are enhancing living conditions in tea garden areas,' the Chief Minister added.

During the event, Modi also launched 13 development projects valued at Rs 19,577.58 crore across various sectors.

Among these was the 120 MW Kopili Hydro-Electric Project, constructed at a cost exceeding Rs 2,300 crore in Dima Hasao and West Karbi Anglong districts.

This project is expected to enhance clean energy production and improve grid stability, ensuring a reliable power supply for households, farmers, and industries in the region.

Additionally, the Prime Minister dedicated the capacity enhancement project of the Numaligarh–Siliguri Product Pipeline (NSPL) of Oil India Limited.

This project will facilitate the expansion of Numaligarh Refinery’s capacity from 3 MMTPA to 9 MMTPA, allowing for more efficient transportation of petroleum products.

Modi also inaugurated Phase 1 of the North East Gas Grid, linking Guwahati with Numaligarh, Gohpur, and Itanagar, with a branch line extending to Dimapur.

He laid the foundation stone for Numaligarh Refinery Limited’s Rail-Fed POL Terminal at Panchgram in Hailakandi district, enhancing fuel transportation infrastructure.

Several railway electrification projects were also inaugurated, including:

Rangiya–Murkongselek rail line electrification (558 km) at approximately Rs 420 crore
Chaparmukh–Dibrugarh electrification (571 km) costing around Rs 1,180 crore
Badarpur–Silchar and Badarpur–Churaibari electrification projects at a cost of about Rs 650 crore

These initiatives will facilitate faster and more environmentally friendly train operations across the Brahmaputra and Barak Valley regions.

Modi also laid the foundation for the Furkating–Tinsukia rail line doubling project (194 km) with an investment exceeding Rs 3,600 crore, which will enhance rail capacity and accommodate more passenger and freight trains.

Furthermore, the Prime Minister inaugurated the PM Ekta Mall in Guwahati, designed as a significant commercial and tourism center.

This mall will host permanent stalls for One District One Product (ODOP) items, GI-tagged products, handicrafts, and handloom goods, along with showrooms, food courts, and digital kiosks aimed at promoting local artisans and industries.

In the waterways sector, Modi laid the foundation for cruise terminals at Bishwanath Ghat and Nimati Ghat, aimed at enhancing river tourism along the Brahmaputra.

He also initiated the construction of a Regional Centre of Excellence at Bogibeel, which will serve as a maritime training and research hub for the Northeast.

Chief Minister Sarma mentioned that the state government is planning dedicated economic corridors to significantly reduce travel time and boost economic activity.

'We are planning three economic corridors: one from Srirampur to Guwahati with a travel time of around four hours, Silchar to Guwahati within four hours, and Guwahati to Tinsukia within five to six hours,' he stated.

Sarma added that the Prime Minister is anticipated to lay the foundation stone for a Rs 22,000 crore Silchar–Guwahati corridor on Saturday, which will greatly improve connectivity in the region.