Assam: Powai tea estate workers slam 3-year adhoc union, demand full committee

Tensions are mounting among workers of the Powai Tea Estate in the Margherita Co-District following the prolonged functioning of an adhoc committee under the Assam Chah Mazdoor Sangha (ACMS) Powai Primary Committee for more than three years. 

The continued delay in forming a full-fledged committee has sparked frustration and strong reactions from the tea estate’s labour community.

Addressing the media, Rupesh Tanti, an educated youth and social worker from Powai Tea Estate, levelled serious allegations against Harinanda Gorh, secretary of the ACMS Margherita Branch. Tanti claimed that the Powai Primary Committee has been illegally operating under an adhoc committee while continuing to collect financial contributions from workers every year, without transparency or resolution of key issues.

Also Read: Assam: Land grabbing allegations spark protests in Lakhipur against BJP leaders

Tanti further accused Harinanda Gorh of failing to account for or address any concerns related to these contributions, despite multiple representations made by the workers to the leadership of ACMS. Repeated appeals have reportedly been submitted to Paban Singh Ghatowar, president of the ACMS Central Committee, Rupesh Gowala, secretary and Doomdooma MLA, and the manager of Powai Tea Estate, but to no avail.

“Why has the Assam Chah Mazdoor Sangha Powai Primary Committee not been properly constituted even after years of demands from workers?” questioned Tanti. He emphasised that the absence of a legitimate committee is hindering workers’ rights, grievance redressal, and transparency in union activities.

The situation has triggered a call for urgent intervention by the ACMS leadership to restore proper representation and accountability within the Powai Tea Estate’s labour organisation. Workers have warned that continued inaction could lead to intensified protests in the days ahead.