What Is Assam’s Mukhya Mantrir Eti Koli Duti Paat Scheme?

The State of Assam has taken a significant welfare step for its tea garden communities by announcing a new financial support scheme. The Assam government has launched the Mukhya Mantrir Eti Koli Duti Paat Scheme to provide one-time financial assistance to tea garden workers across the state. The initiative acknowledges the historic contribution of tea workers to the state’s economy and aims to strengthen social security, dignity and inclusive growth across Assam’s tea-growing regions.

Launch of the Scheme and Political Leadership

• The scheme was launched by Himanta Biswa Sarma at Doomdooma in Tinsukia district.
• The Chief Minister described the initiative as a tribute to tea tribes and indigenous communities whose labour has sustained Assam’s globally renowned tea industry.
• He emphasised that adequate budgetary provisions have been made to ensure smooth and timely disbursal of benefits.

One-Time Financial Assistance for Tea Workers

• Under the Eti Koli Duti Paat Scheme, over ₹300 crore will be disbursed as one-time assistance of ₹5,000 each to more than six lakh tea garden workers.
• The beneficiaries include both permanent and casual labourers working in 836 tea gardens spread across 27 districts and 73 Assembly constituencies.
• The scheme aims to provide immediate financial relief and reinforce the state’s commitment to worker welfare.

Childcare, Health and Workplace Dignity Measures

• Alongside the scheme, the Chief Minister inaugurated mobile crèches and mobile toilet services in tea garden areas.
• These facilities are designed to improve childcare, sanitation, health, safety and dignity, especially for women workers.
• The government highlighted that welfare interventions must go beyond wages and address daily living conditions to ensure long-term social upliftment.

Two Hundred Years of Assam’s Tea Legacy

• Referring to the 200-year history of Assam’s tea industry, Sarma noted that while Assam tea is celebrated globally, the workers behind it often remain invisible.
• He stressed that pride in Assam tea should be accompanied by respect and recognition for tea garden workers.
• The Chief Minister also recalled Narendra Modi’s long association with tea gardens and his emphasis on improving the socio-economic conditions of tea communities.

Land Rights and Long-Term Social Security

• The Assam government announced that land rights will be granted to tea garden workers and indigenous families residing in labor lines.
• Applications for land titles will begin from February, with conditions ensuring that land remains with beneficiaries for at least 10 years and can be transferred only within the tea community.
• This move aims to provide long-term security and asset ownership.

Education, Employment and Cultural Initiatives

• The Chief Minister highlighted several complementary initiatives, including expansion of Orunodoi benefits, establishment of model schools in tea garden areas, reserved MBBS and paramedical seats, scholarships, self-employment assistance, mobile medical units, and wage compensation for pregnant workers.
• Cultural promotion through Jhumoir dance was also emphasised to preserve the identity and heritage of tea tribes.
• Additionally, tea tribes have been provided 3% reservation under OBC in Grade III and IV government jobs.

Key Summary at a Glance

Aspect	Details
Why in News?	Launch of Eti Koli Duti Paat Scheme
Beneficiaries	Over 6 lakh tea workers
Financial Aid	₹5,000 one-time assistance
Coverage	836 tea gardens, 27 districts
Additional Measures	Mobile crèches, toilets, land rights
Industry Legacy	200 years of Assam tea

Question

Q. The Mukhya Mantrir Eti Koli Duti Paat Scheme is related to which sector?

A. Fisheries
B. Handloom
C. Tea industry workers
D. Mining