Potential Sale of Andrew Yule's Tea Estates in Assam

In a recent announcement, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma indicated that several tea estates managed by Andrew Yule & Company Limited in Assam are likely to be sold due to ongoing financial issues. The company, a Central Public Sector Enterprise, has been struggling to maintain operations, leading to discussions about transferring ownership to private entities. The tea estates affected include several in Dibrugarh, Charaideo, and Golaghat districts. The Assam Tea Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation has also proposed the sale, citing delayed wages for workers and the need for better management. This situation raises concerns about the future of these estates and their workforce.
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Potential Sale of Andrew Yule's Tea Estates in Assam

Andrew Yule's Tea Estates Facing Sale


Dibrugarh, June 18: Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Tuesday that at least ten tea estates managed by Andrew Yule & Company Limited are likely to be sold.


Andrew Yule operates as a Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) under the Ministry of Heavy Industries, Government of India, and has been facing significant financial challenges, prompting the decision to consider selling these tea gardens.


The estates in question include Khowang, Bamun, Tingkhong, Rajgarh, Basmatia, and Desam located in Dibrugarh district, as well as Hingrijan in Charaideo district, and Hoolungooree, Murphulani, and Bogijan in Golaghat district.


The Chief Minister stated that the state government has resolved to proceed with the sale if Andrew Yule Group cannot effectively manage the tea estates. He mentioned that the necessary paperwork is in progress and that the process has advanced significantly.


Previously, in August 2024, the Assam Tea Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (TEPFO) suggested the sale of the tea gardens operated by Andrew Yule & Co. Ltd. due to the financial difficulties faced by the PSU, which oversees 10 to 15 tea gardens in Assam.


Terash Gowala, Vice Chairman of TEPFO, addressed the media outside the Assembly, emphasizing the financial struggles of the Andrew Yule tea estates.


“These gardens are experiencing financial hardships, and workers are not receiving their wages punctually. There are also rumors about selling these estates to private companies,” Gowala remarked.


He further noted that TEPFO is open to the possibility of selling the gardens to private entities if it results in improved management and operations.


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