Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday asserted that the state government’s decision to provide three per cent reservation to the tea garden community in government jobs has secured their future.
According to CM Sarma, for the Tea Tribe community, the three per cent reservation is more than just a number; it represents opportunity, dignity, and a future secured through fairness. “Today, many families celebrate dignity, opportunity, and new beginnings,” he added.
Recently, the state government handed over at least 5,500 appointment letters to successful candidates for various government posts, including those benefiting from the three per cent reservation for the tea garden community. The Chief Minister said the initiative provides a significant opportunity for community members to lead dignified lives through public service.
He also noted that the beneficiaries of the initiative expressed delight at the government’s efforts to uplift the community.
In a historic step last month, the Assam Legislative Assembly passed the Assam Fixation of Ceiling on Land Holdings (Amendment) Bill, 2025, aimed at granting land rights to nearly three lakh tea garden workers for the first time in the state’s history. CM Sarma said the amendment would bring dignity, stability, and long-overdue security to thousands of tea garden families who have lived for generations without legal ownership of the land they inhabit.
Under the amended provisions, land pattas will be issued to workers for the plots they currently occupy, formally recognizing their right to shelter and livelihood. To safeguard beneficiaries and prevent distress sales or exploitation, the allotted land cannot be sold for 20 years. Even after this lock-in period, any transfer of land will be allowed only within the same community, ensuring that the benefits of the reform remain with tea garden workers.
Highlighting other measures for the social upliftment of the tea community, CM Sarma also referred to the reservation of MBBS seats for students from the community as another landmark initiative.
— IANS
