2026-01-31 · News

Assam, renowned for its lush tea gardens, has launched the "Eti Koli Duti Paat" scheme, a significant initiative focused on improving the lives of tea garden workers. This translates to "One Bud, Two Leaves," a phrase deeply connected to the tea-picking process. The scheme aims to provide financial assistance and enhance the overall well-being of those employed in the tea industry, a sector vital to Assam's economy and cultural identity. While specific details are still emerging, preliminary information indicates a multi-pronged approach to addressing the challenges faced by this crucial workforce.

Boosting Financial Security:

A core objective of the "Eti Koli Duti Paat" scheme is to bolster the financial security of tea garden workers. Historically, this demographic has faced economic vulnerabilities. The scheme is expected to achieve this through:

1. Direct Financial Assistance: The initiative includes provisions for direct financial aid to tea garden workers. This could be in the form of direct benefit transfers (DBT) to their bank accounts, providing immediate relief and increased purchasing power. This financial support is geared toward helping families address essential needs such as food, healthcare, and education.

2. Promoting Savings and Investments: The scheme may also incentivize savings and investments among tea garden workers. This could involve facilitating access to banking services, offering financial literacy programs, and introducing schemes that encourage long-term savings for a more secure future.

3. Fair Wages and Compensation: This scheme is aimed to monitor and ensure the fair wages and compensation. It will ensure the workers are paid fairly for their hard work.

Enhancing Healthcare Access:

Recognizing the importance of good health, the "Eti Koli Duti Paat" scheme is likely to incorporate measures to improve access to healthcare for tea garden workers and their families.

4. Improved Healthcare Infrastructure: Strengthening healthcare infrastructure in and around tea gardens. It includes investment in hospitals, clinics, and medical facilities.

Promoting Education and Skill Development:

5. Investing in Education: Education is a key focus, with the scheme likely to support educational opportunities for the children of tea garden workers. This includes scholarships, improved school infrastructure in tea garden areas, and initiatives to reduce school dropout rates. Skill development programs may also be introduced to equip workers with new skills, enabling them to pursue alternative livelihood options or improve their prospects within the tea industry.

Looking Ahead:

The "Eti Koli Duti Paat" scheme represents a significant step toward addressing the challenges faced by tea garden workers in Assam. By focusing on financial security, healthcare, and education, the initiative has the potential to create a positive impact on the lives of thousands of individuals and families who contribute significantly to the state's economy and cultural heritage. The success of the scheme will depend on effective implementation, transparent monitoring, and continued collaboration between the government, tea garden management, and worker representatives. Further details on the specific implementation strategies and eligibility criteria are awaited, and North East Connect will continue to provide updates as they become available.