HT Bureau
GUWAHATI, Sept 10: Assam Governor Gulab Chand Kataria attended a Tea Workers’ Conclave organized by the Aadhunik India Foundation at the Srimanta Sankardev International Auditorium in Guwahati on Sunday.
In his address, Governor Kataria emphasised the importance of tea workers in the growth of the tea industry in Assam and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to their welfare.
Despite celebrating two centuries of tea cultivation in the region, Governor Kataria acknowledged that the industry faced numerous challenges. He commended the state government for taking various steps to improve the socio-economic and academic conditions of tea workers and their families. However, he also noted that global challenges had slowed the sector’s growth.
Governor Kataria pledged to personally convey the issues affecting the tea industry in Assam to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He expressed confidence that the Prime Minister’s leadership, combined with proactive measures by the state government, would lead to a brighter future for the industry and the community.
The Governor highlighted the government’s efforts, such as the establishment of model schools across the state, to improve the lives of tea garden residents. He encouraged individuals from the tea community who had received quality education and achieved a better quality of life to contribute actively to the betterment of their fellow community members.
Governor Kataria stressed the importance of securing land ownership for tea garden workers, not just as a symbolic gesture but as a gateway to accessing government facilities. He also expressed his intention to visit tea garden areas during his district visits across the state to better understand the challenges faced by the community and ensure their voices are heard.
The conclave was attended by various dignitaries, including minister of welfare of tea tribes Sanjoy Kishan, MP Karimganj Kripanath Mallah, chairman of Aadhunik India Foundation Dinesh Kr Chouhan, and others.
