Guwahati | January 25, 2026
For more than 200 years, Assam’s tea gardens have quietly powered one of India’s most recognisable global exports. Behind every cup of Assam tea lies the labour of generations of workers whose lives have remained largely unseen beyond the plantation lines.
On Saturday, the Assam government placed those workers at the centre of public attention with the launch of the Eti Koli Duti Paat Scheme, a one-time financial assistance programme aimed at providing immediate economic support to tea garden workers across the state.
Announced at a ceremonial event in Doomdooma, Tinsukia district, the initiative marks a rare moment where history, welfare policy, and labour recognition intersect.
What Is the Eti Koli Duti Paat Scheme?
The Eti Koli Duti Paat Scheme is a direct benefit initiative designed for registered tea garden workers, commonly referred to as Cha Shramiks. The phrase “Eti Koli, Duti Paat”meaning one bud and two leaves symbolises the finest quality of tea plucking and reflects the skill-intensive nature of plantation work.
Under the scheme, each eligible worker will receive ₹5,000 as a one-time financial grant, acknowledging their role in sustaining Assam’s tea economy. The programme covers over six lakh workers employed across 836 tea estates, making it one of the largest targeted welfare initiatives for the sector in recent years.
Why the Scheme Comes at a Crucial Time
Tea workers form one of Assam’s largest organised labour communities, yet they remain among its most economically vulnerable. Most families depend on daily wages, with limited savings and minimal insulation from inflation, health emergencies, or education costs.
Rising prices of essentials have further strained plantation households. Against this backdrop, the Eti Koli Duti Paat Scheme offers immediate relief rather than long-term promises a factor that has drawn attention from policy observers and labour groups alike.Officials describe the assistance as a stabilising measure meant to ease short-term financial pressure while reaffirming the state’s commitment to worker welfare.
Launch Event and Government Messaging
The scheme was formally launched by Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma at Doomdooma in Upper Assam, a region synonymous with large tea estates and plantation labour.
The event coincided with a national broadcast, giving the announcement wider visibility beyond the state. Government representatives emphasised that the scheme aligns with the 200-year milestone of Assam tea, adding historical significance to the policy decision.According to officials, the programme is part of a broader welfare framework for tea workers and does not replace existing benefits related to healthcare, housing, or education.
Scale, Budget, and Implementation Details
Key figures underline the reach of the Eti Koli Duti Paat Scheme
- Beneficiaries: More than 6,00,000 tea garden workers
- Tea estates covered: 836
- Total financial outlay: ₹302 crore
- Geographic reach: All major tea-growing districts of Assam
Distribution is being conducted through constituency-wise coordination, with district administrations overseeing verification and delivery. Cheques are being issued in an organised manner to avoid delays and ensure transparency.Officials have confirmed that the assistance is one-time in nature and not a recurring payment.
Why This Matters for Assam’s Economy
Assam contributes over 50 per cent of India’s total tea production, directly and indirectly supporting lakhs of livelihoods. When tea workers experience even temporary financial stability, the impact extends beyond individual households.Economists point out that direct cash assistance in labour-intensive regions often leads to
- Increased local spending
- Improved access to healthcare
- Better school retention among children
- Short-term stimulus for rural markets
By injecting funds directly into tea belt regions, the Eti Koli Duti Paat Scheme is expected to generate a ripple effect across local economies.Based on official briefings and early implementation updates
- No application rush or major logistical issues have been reported
- Distribution is being closely monitored at the district level
- The focus remains on speed and inclusion
- The scheme complements, rather than replaces, existing tea welfare programmes
Authorities have reiterated that the initiative is meant to deliver tangible benefit, not symbolic recognition alone.
FAQ
1.Who is eligible for the Eti Koli Duti Paat Scheme?
Registered workers employed in recognised tea estates in Assam.
2.Is the ₹5,000 assistance taxable?
There is no official notification indicating that the amount is taxable.
3.Is this a recurring payment?
No. The scheme provides one-time financial assistance.
4.How will workers receive the money?
Through organised cheque distribution supervised by district authorities.
5.Does it replace other welfare schemes?
No. It functions alongside existing tea worker welfare initiatives
Conclusion
The Eti Koli Duti Paat Scheme represents more than a fiscal announcement. It is a rare policy moment where Assam’s tea workers are acknowledged not just as labourers, but as custodians of a 200-year legacy.By combining historical recognition with immediate economic support, the government has delivered a welfare measure that resonates both emotionally and practically.
As the state marks two centuries of tea cultivation, this initiative ensures that the people who shaped that history are finally part of the narrative — not as a footnote, but as the focus.AND MORE REALTIVE NEWS VISIT OUR SITE