Tea garden communities across Margherita erupted in joy on Friday as the Assam Government formally approved the long-awaited decision to grant land pattas to tea estate workers. The announcement, made during the live proceedings of the Assam Legislative Assembly by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Labour Welfare, Tea Tribes and Adivasi Welfare Minister Rupesh Gowala, was watched closely by workers at the Margherita Tea Estate, who celebrated the moment as a turning point in their history.
Soon after the news broke, the Top Side Field of Margherita Tea Estate turned into a festive ground. Workers gathered in large numbers, singing traditional songs, dancing, and bursting firecrackers. For many, the decision symbolised long-delayed justice and formal recognition of the community’s immense contribution to Assam’s tea economy.
Harinanda Gorh, Secretary of the Assam Chah Mazdoor Sangha (ACMS), Margherita Branch, said the move holds deep emotional and historical significance. “In 200 years of Assam’s tea industry, this is the first time that the contribution of tea garden workers has been officially acknowledged. We are grateful to the dynamic leadership of Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma and Minister Rupesh Gowala for bringing a bill that finally fulfils our long-standing demand,” he said. Gorh added that workers expressed their gratitude to the BJP-led governments at both the Centre and the State for making the decision possible.
As celebrations continued late into the evening, workers raised slogans praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Minister Rupesh Gowala and Margherita MLA Bhaskar Sharma, calling the approval of land pattas a “milestone for future generations.”
The move is expected to significantly improve the socio-economic security of tea garden families, many of whom have lived for generations without land rights despite being the backbone of the state’s iconic tea sector. Workers believe that the step will not only strengthen their financial stability but also open new opportunities for housing, education, and community development.
