Not Just Land, But a Home: Assam’s Landmark Promise to Tea Garden Workers

Housing Security to Accompany Land Pattas

Assam is set to witness a significant welfare intervention aimed at improving the lives of tea garden workers, with the state government emphasising that land ownership must be complemented by housing security to ensure dignity and long-term stability.

Speaking to the media, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma underlined that the upcoming distribution of land pattas will go hand in hand with housing benefits.

“We will begin distributing land pattas to tea garden workers from March 1. But my goal is not just to provide land patta, but also to provide a house. If we give land but no house, then the land has little value.”

The Chief Minister said the state has sought the Centre’s cooperation so that beneficiaries receive both ownership and shelter simultaneously.

“I had requested Shivraj Singh Chauhan that as soon as workers receive land, they should also be provided houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. He has virtually given his consent, and a survey will be conducted to identify beneficiaries.”

PMAY Support Signals ‘Historic Moment’

Sarma expressed confidence that tea garden families would soon receive permanent homes under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, calling the Centre–state coordination a landmark development.

“In principle, once the land becomes theirs, the Government of India has agreed to provide houses to tea workers under the PMAY scheme. This is a historic moment for us.”

The combined approach is expected to enhance social security, improve living conditions, and create a sense of ownership among thousands of tea garden families across Assam.

SARAS Mela Highlights Women’s Economic Empowerment

The announcement came alongside the SARAS Mela in Assam, where rural women entrepreneurs showcased their products and enterprise skills, gaining exposure, market access, and confidence to drive change within their communities. The fair recorded sales worth nearly ₹20 crore, reflecting the expanding economic role of self-help groups.

Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan, attending the event, lauded the progress of women-led entrepreneurship and reiterated the broader goal of financial independence for women.

“Congratulations to the Chief Minister of Assam. Products worth ₹20 crore have been sold through the fair. May every woman become a ‘Lakhpati.’ The target of creating 3 crore Lakhpati women has been achieved in 2025 itself, ahead of the 2027 deadline. In Assam, 9 lakh women have attained Lakhpati entrepreneurship, and emphasis continues on making every woman self-reliant and empowered.”

Toward Dignity, Ownership and Inclusive Growth

By linking land pattas with housing support while simultaneously strengthening women’s entrepreneurship, the initiative reflects a broader push toward inclusive and people-centric development in Assam — one that seeks to provide not just assets, but security, dignity, and sustainable livelihoods.

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