Delhi: In a landmark move set to reshape the socio-economic landscape of Assam’s tea belt, the Assam Legislative Assembly on Friday approved the Assam Fixation of Ceiling on Land Holdings (Amendment) Bill, 2025. The legislation paves the way for nearly three lakh tea garden workers to gain land ownership rights for the first time in the state’s history.
Introduced by Revenue Minister Keshab Mahanta, the Bill was passed during a stormy session marked by heated verbal clashes between ruling BJP members and the opposition. Slogans directed at Raijor Dal MLA Akhil Gogoi prompted sharp exchanges, with Gogoi countering by levelling allegations against Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. The AIUDF later staged a walkout, demanding that similar land rights be extended to minority communities residing in Assam’s char (riverine) areas.
Despite the uproar, the government succeeded in pushing through what many described as a milestone for the Tea Tribe and Adivasi communities—groups that were brought to Assam more than two centuries ago during British rule and have since lived without formal land ownership.
Speaking in the Assembly, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the decision would restore dignity and stability to lakhs of families who have formed the backbone of Assam’s globally renowned tea industry. He stressed that workers would now receive land pattas for the land they occupy. Under the new rules, the allotted land cannot be sold for 20 years and, even after that period, transfers will only be permitted within the same community.
Highlighting the government’s broader work for tea garden welfare, Sarma recalled initiatives such as opening seven lakh bank accounts during demonetisation, constructing concrete roads inside estates, providing JJM tap water connections, offering a wage compensation of ₹12,000 to pregnant workers, and establishing 100 model high schools in tea garden regions. He added that the government is evaluating a wage hike for tea workers and plans to introduce a three per cent job reservation for youths from the community.
Sarma also noted that the amendment dismantles outdated colonial practices that kept ancillary lands under tea estate management. He framed the move as correcting a “historical injustice” and ensuring lasting land security for tea garden families.
Tea Tribe Community Minister Rupesh Gowala hailed the passage of the Bill as a “historic” milestone, saying it would transform the future of generations who had lived without land rights.
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