Staff Correspondent
DIBRUGARH, Feb 20: Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal today took pride in increasing the daily wage of the plantation workers by Rs 80 during their tenure of four and a half years in the State, asserting that the government was successful in taking the giant step during its brief term because of the government’s commitment and respect for the workers.
Acknowledging the hard work of the tea garden workers during a huge Shramik Samaroh organised at Chowkidinghee ground here, Sonowal said the government had earlier increased the wage by Rs 30 (interim) and today the government decided to raise the wage by another Rs 50.
“We have raised the daily wage of tea garden workers altogether by Rs 80 during our tenure and we really feel happy about it because the workers, through their sweat, have made Assam known to the world. The BJP-led government acknowledges their hard work, respects them and are committed to them,” he said.
“Therefore, for the allround growth of the community, we have taken up various schemes in the areas of education, health, business and economy, culture, sports, etc., to ensure that they are empowered and also be a segment in the inclusive growth of the State,” he added.
The Chief Minister said that had the previous government taken such a step, the standard of plantation workers would have been much better. “Congress ruled the State for a very long period. They could have done a lot for the uplift of the workforce. But, it is only the BJP, which has come as the deliverer because the party is committed towards the welfare of the community and wants them to live a dignified life,” Sonowal said.
On the occasion of the Shramik Samaroh, Sonowal also initiated the ceremonial distribution of smartphones to 2,702 tea garden sardars, bicycles to 3,039 tea garden line chowkidars and Simon Singh Horo Special Post Matric Scholarship to 3,261 students who have cleared HSLC and HSSLC during the year 2020.
The programme, organised by the labour and welfare department, was also addressed by Union minister Rameswar Teli and State minister Sanjay Kishan.
