Assam government has fixed the minimum daily wage of Rs 169 for unskilled tea plantation workers in the state. The state government has directed the commissioner and secretary of labour and employment to ensure the compliance. The minimum wage will also be applicable for unskilled workers in other industries.
The Plantation Labour Act, 1951, which regulates the wages of tea-garden workers, their duty hours and the amenities, states that the management is supposed to provide housing, drinking water, education, health care, child care facilities, accident cover and protective equipment.
Assam accounts for half of India’s tea production and one sixth of the world’s production. This month however the state-owned Tea Board of India reported a fall of 15.4% in the beverage yield.