Union Minister for Ports, Shipping & Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal on Sunday said that empowering workers is crucial to strengthening the nation, calling them the “driving force and miners of nation-building.” He was addressing the Shramik Kalyan Divas programme at Dinjoy Field in Chabua, Dibrugarh, held to mark the birth anniversary of prominent tea worker leader Santosh Kumar Tapno.
The event honoured individuals and institutions contributing to education, healthcare, welfare and infrastructure in tea garden areas. Sonowal distributed felicitation certificates and handed over financial assistance cheques to beneficiaries under the Assam Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board.
The Minister also launched free CSC-enabled registration, renewal and onboarding services under the Nirman Sakhi initiative, aimed at enhancing welfare accessibility for workers in Assam.
Paying homage to Santosh Kumar Tapno, Sonowal described him as a visionary reformer and labour leader who dedicated his life to the upliftment of tea tribes and Adivasi communities.
“A nation that fails to honour its workers can never become strong,” Sonowal said, adding that governments that view workers merely as a vote bank cannot contribute to real nation-building.
The Minister said that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership over the last 11 years, workers across sectors—tea gardens, factories, construction and agriculture—have benefited from policies that ensure housing, healthcare, education, banking access and dignified livelihood opportunities.
Highlighting India’s economic rise, Sonowal stated, “India is now the fourth-largest global economy. Our workers build ships, defence equipment, and export goods across the world. India stands strong today because of PM Modi’s resolve and vision.”
He noted that more than 7.5 lakh tea workers in Assam have opened bank accounts under PM Jan Dhan Yojana, enabling direct financial inclusion. He also mentioned the state scheme Eti Koli Duti Paat, which provides ₹5,000 directly to every tea garden worker’s bank account.
The Minister pointed to visible improvements in roads, electricity, healthcare services, quality education, safe drinking water, and maternity care across tea garden regions.
“The sweat and hard work of our tea workers are infused into every leaf of Assam tea. The government is committed to their progress and wellbeing,” he said.
Encouraging tea companies to diversify, Sonowal urged the industry to explore value-added products to enhance global competitiveness and create new economic opportunities.
Expressing personal connection with the tea tribes and Adivasi community, he recalled his childhood in the region and emphasised the importance of preserving their legacy.
“Our future generations must understand the significance of this day. The nation cannot progress without ensuring the prosperity of its workers,” Sonowal said.