2025-10-15 · News
Dibrugarh Tea Workers Demand ST Status: Massive Protest Highlights Assam's Land Rights and Wage Issues
A significant demonstration unfolded in Dibrugarh, Assam, as over two lakh tea garden workers and members of Adivasi communities gathered to voice their demands for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status, higher daily wages, and secure land rights. The large-scale protest underscores long-standing grievances within these communities and highlights the ongoing challenges faced by tea plantation workers in the region.
The primary demand of the protestors is the granting of ST status. This classification would provide access to various government benefits, including reservations in education and employment, as well as increased political representation. The communities argue that their historical marginalization and socio-economic disadvantages warrant their inclusion in the ST category. They believe this recognition will provide a much-needed boost to their overall well-being and empower them to participate more effectively in the state's development.
Beyond ST status, the issue of fair wages is a central concern. Tea workers in Assam have historically faced low wages, often struggling to make ends meet despite the physically demanding nature of their work. The protestors are advocating for a substantial increase in daily wages to ensure a decent standard of living for themselves and their families. The current wage structure, they argue, fails to reflect the rising cost of living and the significant contribution they make to the state's economy through tea production.
The demand for land rights forms the third crucial pillar of the protest. Many tea garden workers and Adivasi communities lack secure land ownership, leaving them vulnerable to displacement and exploitation. The protestors are calling for the government to address this issue by granting land titles to those who have been cultivating the land for generations. Security of land tenure is seen as essential for ensuring economic stability and social justice for these communities. They want the right to own the land they live and work on, giving them greater control over their lives and livelihoods.
The protest in Dibrugarh is not an isolated incident, but rather a reflection of broader socio-economic and political issues affecting tea workers and Adivasi communities across Assam. These communities have long faced challenges related to poverty, lack of access to education and healthcare, and social discrimination. The demand for ST status, higher wages, and land rights represents a collective effort to address these systemic inequalities and achieve greater social and economic justice.
The Assam government has yet to issue a formal response to the demands raised during the Dibrugarh protest. However, the sheer scale of the demonstration and the widespread support it has garnered are likely to put pressure on the government to take the concerns of the tea workers and Adivasi communities seriously. Finding a resolution that addresses their grievances will be crucial for ensuring social harmony and sustainable development in the region. Future action from the government will be pivotal in addressing the issues raised by the protestors. The resolution will need to be thoughtful and implemented to make a difference.
