First phase to cover 103 tea gardens; nearly 3.5 lakh families set to benefit with land security, housing and welfare support
Dibrugarh: In a landmark step towards securing dignity and long-term social security for Assam’s tea tribe community, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday ceremonially distributed application forms in Dibrugarh for the proposed land settlement of the Tea Workers community and their families.
Describing the initiative as a “historic moment” for the torchbearers of Assam’s 200-year-old tea legacy, the Chief Minister said the move aims to provide land rights, safe housing and access to welfare benefits to thousands of workers who have long contributed to the state’s tea economy.
The distribution marks the beginning of the state government’s plan to grant land pattas to tea garden workers. In the first phase, workers from 103 tea gardens have been included. Overall, nearly 3.5 lakh families across 825 tea estates are expected to benefit.
From Dibrugarh, the government launched the process of distributing forms that will enable workers to claim ownership of tea garden line lands. The initiative follows the passage of The Assam Fixation of Ceiling on Landholdings (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which cleared the legal pathway for ensuring land rights to tea workers. Moreover, to protect community interests, the government has placed restrictions on the sale and purchase of these lands outside the tea tribe community for 20 years.
Addressing the media, the Chief Minister also said the government is considering providing PMAY houses and Rs 1 lakh assistance for home repairs to each family. “We are taking every step for the welfare of our Tea Tribes community,” the Chief Minister said, calling the initiative a new chapter towards security, stability and sustainable development for Assam’s tea gardens.
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