Guwahati: The Tea Association of India (TAI) has urged the Assam government to resolve pressing issues over transferring housing land to tea garden workers under the newly updated law.
During the 37th Biennial General Meeting of its Assam branch, TAI president Shailja Mehta praised the government’s initiative to provide land pattas to workers. She said clear rules are essential to avoid confusion and legal problems.
Mehta pointed out that many tea estates have mortgaged land. Without proper arrangements, transferring ownership could create financial risks. She also noted that the Land Ceiling Act applies only to land, not company-built structures such as labour quarters, and called for fair compensation under the 2013 Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation, and Resettlement Act.
Regarding legal responsibilities, Mehta said the 2020 Occupational Safety, Health, and Working Conditions Code keeps management accountable for housing and welfare. Transferring land without updating the laws could leave estate management liable for these duties.
TAI Assam branch chairman GS Pahwa said most of the concerns are administrative and need clear coordination between different laws to protect both workers and the tea industry.
The association also raised issues with recent labour law changes introduced in November 2025. Labour makes up nearly 60% of production costs, and TAI wants in-kind benefits fully counted in wages instead of being capped at 15%.
TAI further demanded the release of pending subsidies under the Assam Tea Industries Special Incentive Scheme (ATISIS 2020), warning that delays could hurt the financial health of tea estates.
In 2025, India’s tea shipments achieved a record volume of 280 million kg, bringing in close to Rs 8,488 crore, according to Mehta.
She stated that geopolitical tensions in Iran, Iraq, the UAE, and China, including possible disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, could threaten shipments.
She added that any such disruptions might affect export volumes, shipping routes, and pricing, putting India’s tea exports under pressure in 2026 if the situation continues.
The association urged the government to maintain policy support, diversify markets, and adopt measures such as a minimum sustainable price for made tea, promoting Indian tea internationally, and using modern farming technologies to secure the industry’s future.