GUWAHATI: The Sarusajai Stadium in Guwahati witnessed a grand cultural spectacle on February 24, as over 8,000 Jhumoir artistes performed in front of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union and state ministers and ambassadors of several countries at Jhumoir Binandini. The event, a celebration of the rich cultural heritage of Assam’s Tea Tribe community, showcased their traditional dance form, Jhumoir, was also a celebration of 200 years of the tea industry in Assam.
Yet, behind the grandeur of the celebration, the Tea Tribe community in Assam continues to combat deep-rooted struggles.
One of the biggest concerns of the community remains land ownership. Speaking to GPlus, Dhiraj Gowala, President of the Assam Tea Tribes Students’ Association (ATTSA), highlighted how tea workers face an uncertain future once they retire.
"According to the Plantation Labour Act, 1951, tea estates are mandated to provide basic welfare services such as housing, medical facilities, primary education, water supply, and sanitation to workers. They are given quarters while working, but when they retire, where do they go? They do not receive land pattas (ownership rights), leaving them without a place to settle," Gowala said.
Another major issue is the community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status in Assam. The irony, as Gowala pointed out, is that while the Tea Tribe workers originally hail from states like Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh where they are recognised as ST they are classified as Other Backward Class (OBC) in Assam.
"In their native states, they receive the benefits of ST status. But in Assam, they are categorised as OBC, which limits their access to reservations and welfare schemes. They are asking for their quota back, but the issue remains unresolved," he said.
Beyond land and identity issues, the economic situation of Tea Tribe workers remains dire.
Many struggle to afford proper food due to low wages. Workers in private tea gardens earn ₹250 per day, while those employed under Assam Tea Corporation receive just ₹205 per day.
"This has been a long-standing fight. The wages are not enough to sustain families, and food insecurity is widespread among the community," Gowala added.
The increase in population within the Tea Tribe community has further deepened their economic challenges. Despite generations of hard labour in the tea industry, many young people are now left without jobs.
"Since British rule, the labour force has remained constant, but with population growth, employment opportunities have not increased. There is educated unemployment, where degree holders struggle for jobs, and uneducated employment, where those without education end up in low-paying security services or other unstable jobs in different states," Gowala explained.
The frustration within the community is growing due to a lack of job opportunities and skill development programmes. Unlike other communities, Tea Tribe youth are not trained in alternative sectors such as driving, construction work, or hospitality.
"The government should introduce skill development programmes for us, just like they do for others. Why are we being left behind? What is the government doing for our future?" he questioned.
Despite repeated appeals to the Assam government, the response has been inadequate, Gowala claimed. In an attempt to bridge the gap, ATTSA is now planning to organise its own training programmes and is even considering approaching oil companies for funding.
While Jhumoir Binandini was a grand success, drawing appreciation for Assam’s cultural diversity, the deeper issues affecting the Tea Tribe community remain unresolved. Their struggles for land, wages, employment, and recognition continue, overshadowing the celebrations.
The question remains: beyond the stage performances and political praises, when will real change reach the Tea Tribe community?
