GUWAHATI: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday announced a hike of Rs 38 in the daily wages of the tea gardens workers in the state.
The decision was taken by the government after thorough consultation with the workers' union.
With this hike, the tea workers in Brahmaputra Valley will receive a daily wage of Rs 205 from the existing Rs 167 and tea workers of Barak Valley would get Rs 183 from the existing Rs 145.
Also Read: Assam chief minister opines on COVID-19’s second wave; Here’s what he said
"Tea garden workers' welfare remains a committed priority", said the Chief Minister.
The Assam government's decision to raise the wages of the tea garden workers by Rs 50 was challenged in the High Court.
Sarma added that the government will initiate consultation with stakeholders to come up with an acceptable solution to manage the remaining Rs 12 as the demand was a hike of Rs 50.
Earlier, the Gauhati High Court had ordered the state government to not take action against the Indian Tea Association and 17 tea companies until the case challenging the February 23 notification of the Assam Labour Department is sorted.
"Since the February 23 decision of GoA to raise wages of tea garden workers by Rs 50 was challenged in HC, we considered it crucial to find a special solution, in the interim. Today, we have made a headway on that", said the Chief Minister.