Tension gripped the Kaliabor Tea Estate in Silghat on Saturday, January 10, as tea workers staged a protest demanding the immediate settlement of long-overdue payments and a change in the estate’s ownership, currently under Bagacha Plantation Private Limited.
Workers accused the management of significant financial irregularities, including issuing bounced cheques for gratuity payments to employees such as Gopal Ganju and Babita Pachi. They also raised concerns about unpaid wages, non-deposition of Provident Fund (PF) contributions, and the non-distribution of rations for nearly 70 weeks.
The protest was organised by the Kaliabor Tea Estate Primary Committee of the Assam Chah Mazdoor Sangha. Workers also highlighted the plight of subordinate staff, many of whom have reportedly not received salaries for the past 22 months.
Labour representatives stated that the total pending dues from the management have reached approximately Rs 33 crore, fueling widespread anger and unrest among the workforce. Protesters warned that the situation could worsen if immediate action is not taken.
Appealing for urgent intervention, the workers have called on Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and the State Labour Minister to step in, ensure accountability, and implement a sustainable resolution to the crisis at the estate.
