Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday said the state government’s decision to provide three per cent reservation to the tea garden community in government jobs has ensured dignity, opportunity and fair representation for a group that has remained marginalised for decades.

Addressing the issue, Sarma said the reservation was not merely a numerical provision but a meaningful pathway to social and economic empowerment for the Tea Tribe community. He emphasised that the policy was designed to integrate the community into the mainstream while addressing historical disadvantages.

Tangible outcomes through employment

Highlighting the impact of the policy, the chief minister said at least 5,500 appointment letters were recently handed over to successful candidates for various government posts. A significant number of these beneficiaries belonged to tea garden families who secured jobs under the three per cent quota.

According to Sarma, the move has opened new avenues for the community, enabling beneficiaries to serve in government roles and lead lives marked by dignity and stability. He added that feedback from newly appointed candidates reflected the positive and transformative impact of the initiative.

Land rights for tea garden workers

Sarma also drew attention to a major legislative step taken to address long-standing grievances of tea garden workers. 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.

He said the amendment would bring security and stability to thousands of families who have lived on tea garden land for generations without legal ownership.

Safeguards to prevent exploitation

Under the revised provisions, land pattas will be issued for the plots currently occupied by workers, formally recognising their right to shelter and livelihood. To prevent exploitation, Sarma said the allotted land cannot be sold for a period of 20 years.

Even after the lock-in period, any transfer of land will be permitted only within the tea garden community to ensure that the benefits remain confined to the intended beneficiaries.

Referring to other welfare initiatives, the chief minister highlighted the reservation of MBBS seats for students from the tea community. He said the measure was aimed at long-term social upliftment by enabling greater access to professional education and creating future role models within the community.

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