Assam: Sekoni Tea Estate workers face uncertainty as operations remain stalled for three months

Workers at Sekoni Tea Estate in Assam's Kaliabor have been facing uncertainty for the past three months as operations at the tea estate remain stalled, with workers alleging that they have been deprived of basic facilities, including ration and medical care.

The prolonged disruption has affected nearly 1,000 workers and their families, who have expressed concern over their livelihood and access to essential services.

According to the workers, the crisis began around three months ago after the tea estate’s owner, Pankaj Kankaria, reportedly left the area, following which operations at the estate came to a standstill.

The workers alleged that they have been forced to continue working without adequate facilities and accused the management of exploiting them.

They said the lack of ration and medical facilities had added to their difficulties and left them living in fear and uncertainty.

The Nagaon Deputy Commissioner and Labour Department officials had earlier visited the tea estate and assured the workers of necessary action. However, the workers alleged that the assurances have not translated into any concrete measures.

The Sekoni unit of the Assam Tea Mazdoor Sangha and the Sekoni primary unit of the Assam Tea Tribes Students’ Association held a press conference on Sunday, August 30, to highlight the workers’ plight.

The organisations criticised the Labour Minister and Kankaria over the situation at the tea estate and demanded immediate steps to restore normal operations and ensure that the workers receive their entitled facilities and benefits.