Assam Passes Historic Bill Granting Land Rights to Tea Garden Workers

Assam Grants Land Ownership to Tea Garden Workers Under Historic Amendment

In a major legislative breakthrough, Assam has officially approved an amendment guaranteeing land ownership rights to tea garden labourers , ending generations of uncertainty surrounding residential land in plantation areas. The move is being hailed as one of the most transformative welfare interventions for the tea workforce since the colonial era.

Core Features of the New Amendment

The Assam Fixation of Ceiling of Land Holdings (Amendment) Act, 2025 formally detaches labour lines from the ‘ancillary land’ category associated with tea cultivation. This enables direct allotment of land to workers who have lived in plantation quarters for decades without ownership security. The government will soon issue notifications on plot size distribution and has earmarked more than ₹65 crore to compensate affected stakeholders during land reclassification.

Heated Debate and Assembly Proceedings

The bill witnessed charged exchanges inside the Assembly. AIUDF legislators demanded equivalent rights for residents of riverine char areas, raising placards and slogans inside the House. Treasury benches responded with counter-slogans, and despite the protests, the bill sailed through via voice vote. The opposition walked out soon after passage. The government reiterated that surveys in char regions are ongoing, with a similar land grant framework planned for eligible communities in the future.

Socio-Economic Impact and Future Pathway

Officials confirmed that beneficiaries will also receive financial support for home construction , ensuring families can transition smoothly to ownership status. The reform strengthens settlement security, improves living standards and supports long-term social upliftment of the tea tribes—an essential workforce sustaining Assam’s globally valued tea economy.

EXAM ORIENTED FACTS

• Assam passed Land Ceiling Amendment Act 2025 allowing land ownership for tea workers.

• Labour lines removed from ancillary tea cultivation land category.

• Compensation requirement approx. ₹65.57 crore at ₹3,000 per bigha .

• Assam has 825 tea estates with labour settlements across 2+ lakh bighas .