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Assam distributes Rs 64 cr as special incentive to 370 tea estates

BNE News Desk


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Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday distributed incentives worth Rs 64 crore under provisions of the Assam Tea Industry Special Incentive Scheme 2020 to 370 tea gardens at an event at Janata Bhawan in the city.

Through the scheme, the state provides Rs 7 per kg as a subsidy for the production of orthodox and specialised tea, even if it is consumed domestically.

Speaking at the event, Sarma said, “From the next financial year, the state government has decided to increase the subsidy of orthodox tea from Rs 7 per kg to Rs 10 per kg. However, we have made another dispensation only for this year in wake of the 200 years of tea industry of Assam. This year we will give Rs 12 per kg but subsequently, in the next year, the Rs 2 will be withdrawn and we will stabilise at Rs 10 per kg as subsidy.”

The chief minister also stated that the backbone of the state economy is the tea industry. However, the industry is going through a period of crisis, and at the same time, almost 70 lakhs people are directly or indirectly dependent on tea.

“It is important for the Government of Assam to see the health of tea industry remain good so that the interests of workers are protected. We are primarily concerned with the health of the tea workers, welfare of tea workers, and that is why we thought this incentive scheme will help to stabilize the tea industry and the life of the tea workers,” he added.

Notably, the state government had earmarked almost Rs 550 crore for the fiscal year 2023-24.

Meanwhile, the state government has kick-started yearlong preparations to celebrate the 200 years of Assam tea, which coincides with the year 2023, grandly.

The government had proposed to organize road shows in major cities across the country as well as abroad to promote Assam Tea as a brand and showcase the rich socio-cultural heritage of tea garden communities.

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BNE News Desk