By | Assam | Labour & Social Welfare
For generations, Assam’s tea workers have carried the weight of one of India’s most celebrated industries on their shoulders. This January, the state has taken a meaningful step to acknowledge that contribution.
On January 25, the Assam government will begin releasing ₹5,000 in direct financial assistance to eligible tea garden workers under the Eti Kali Duti Paat Scheme, offering timely relief to families facing rising living costs and economic pressure.The initiative will be formally launched by Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sharma, signalling a renewed focus on worker welfare in the tea-growing heartlands of the state.
For many workers, this support is not just financial it is recognition
What Is the Eti Kali Duti Paat Scheme?
The Eti Kali Duti Paat Scheme is a state-run welfare initiative designed to provide one-time, direct cash assistance to tea garden workers and plantation employees across Assam.
Rooted in Assamese cultural identity, the scheme’s name reflects the dignity of labour and the deep connection between tea workers and the land they serve. Unlike loans or conditional subsidies, this assistance comes without repayment obligations, allowing families to use the money where it is needed most.Each eligible worker will receive ₹5,000 through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), ensuring transparency and timely delivery
Who Will Benefit Under the Eti Kali Duti Paat Scheme?
The scheme focuses on those at the core of Assam’s tea economy.Eligible beneficiaries include:
- Tea garden labourers
- Plantation and estate workers
- Employees linked to registered tea gardens
Both male and female workers are covered, ensuring inclusive support across districts where tea cultivation remains the primary source of livelihood.
Tea workers continue to be among the most economically vulnerable groups in Assam. Daily wage dependence, healthcare expenses, school fees, and inflation have steadily increased household stress.The Eti Kali Duti Paat Scheme arrives at a critical moment, offering:
- Immediate help with essential expenses
- Short-term financial stability
- Support during a period of rising prices
With Assam marking 200 years of tea heritage, the timing adds symbolic weight to the initiative linking the industry’s past to the people who sustain its present.Assam’s tea industry employs over 10 lakh people directly and indirectly, making it a cornerstone of the rural economy.Direct cash transfers under the Eti Kali Duti Paat Scheme are expected to
- Increase local spending power
- Strengthen village-level market
- Support education and healthcare needs
Such interventions often create ripple effects, benefiting not just families but entire tea-growing communities.
Part of a Broader Welfare Strategy
The Eti Kali Duti Paat Scheme aligns with Assam’s wider push toward worker-focused governance. In recent years, the state has expanded:
- Direct Benefit Transfer systems
- Faster fund disbursement mechanisms
- Digitally verified beneficiary records
This approach reduces delays, limits leakages, and ensures assistance reaches workers directly.
What Tea Workers Are Saying
Across tea estates, the announcement has been met with cautious optimism. For many families, the assistance may help cover medical costs, school supplies, or basic household needs.While labour representatives continue to call for long-term wage reforms and social security, they acknowledge that timely financial relief can ease immediate hardship
FAQ
1.What is the Eti Kali Duti Paat Scheme?
It is an Assam government welfare scheme providing ₹5,000 in one-time financial assistance to tea workers.
2.When will the money be released?
The disbursement will begin on January 25.
3.Is the amount repayable?
No. The assistance is non-repayable.
4.Who is inaugurating the scheme?
Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sharma.
Conclusion
The Eti Kali Duti Paat Scheme may not solve every challenge faced by Assam’s tea workers, but it represents a meaningful gesture one that combines financial support with long-overdue recognition. At a time of economic strain, even modest relief can restore stability and dignity to households that keep Assam’s tea legacy alive.