Assam: Tea workers protest at Kaliabor estate, demand clearance of Rs 33 crore pending dues

Tension prevailed at the Kaliabor Tea Estate in Silghat after tea workers staged a protest on Saturday, January 10 demanding immediate settlement of long-pending dues and a change in ownership of the estate, which is currently operated by Bagacha Plantation Private Limited.

The agitating workers accused the estate management of large-scale financial irregularities, alleging that bounced cheques were issued in the name of gratuity payments to workers, including Gopal Ganju and Babita Pachi. They further raised concerns over the non-payment of wages, non-release of Provident Fund (PF) contributions to the concerned authorities, and the failure to distribute rations pending for nearly 70 weeks.

The protest meeting was organised by the Kaliabor Tea Estate Primary Committee of the Assam Chah Mazdoor Sangha. During the demonstration, workers also highlighted the plight of subordinate staff, who, according to them, have not been paid salaries for the past 22 months.

According to labour representatives, the total outstanding dues owed by the management have mounted to nearly Rs 33 crore, triggering widespread anger and unrest among the workforce. Protesters warned that the situation could further deteriorate if immediate corrective steps are not taken.

Seeking urgent relief, the workers have appealed to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and the State Labour Minister to intervene and ensure justice, accountability, and a sustainable resolution to the ongoing crisis at the estate.