Assam Tea Garden Workers’ Financial Assistance Scheme 2026

Complete Details of Mukhya Mantrir Eti Koli Duti Paat Scheme

The Government of Assam has launched a landmark welfare initiative for tea garden workers named Mukhya Mantrir Eti Koli Duti Paat Scheme, officially known as the Assam Tea Garden Workers’ Financial Assistance Scheme. This much-awaited scheme was formally launched on 25 January 2026, after receiving approval from the Assam Cabinet on 18 July 2025.

Tea garden workers form the backbone of Assam’s tea industry, which is one of the most significant contributors to the state’s economy. Despite their crucial role, many workers face financial instability due to low wages, rising living costs, and a lack of immediate financial support. To address this issue, the Assam Government has introduced this scheme to provide direct one-time monetary assistance to eligible tea garden workers.

Objective of Mukhya Mantrir Eti Koli Duti Paat Scheme

The primary objective of the Assam Tea Garden Workers’ Financial Assistance Scheme is to stabilise the financial condition of tea garden workers by providing immediate monetary relief. The scheme aims to ensure that workers can manage essential household expenses and reduce financial stress.

By offering direct financial support, the government seeks to strengthen social security for tea garden workers and acknowledge their contribution to Assam’s economy.

Financial Assistance Provided Under the Scheme

Under the Mukhya Mantrir Eti Koli Duti Paat Scheme, the Assam Government will provide:

• One-time financial assistance of Rs. 5,000

• Amount will be given to each eligible tea garden worker

• Assistance will be disbursed through an account-payee cheque

• Beneficiaries must deposit the cheque within 15 days of receipt

This one-time support is expected to benefit around 7 lakh tea garden workers across the state.

Implementing Department and Budget Allocation

The Finance Department of the Assam Government is the nodal department responsible for implementing the scheme. To ensure smooth and transparent execution, the government has allocated a substantial budget of Rs. 342 crore for the financial year 2025–26.

This allocation reflects the government’s strong commitment to improving the welfare of tea garden workers.

Eligibility Criteria for Assam Tea Garden Workers’ Financial Assistance Scheme

To receive financial assistance under this scheme, beneficiaries must fulfil the following eligibility conditions:

• The beneficiary must be a permanent resident of Assam

• Must be a registered tea garden worker

• Should be currently working in a recognised tea garden of Assam

• Both permanent and temporary tea garden workers are eligible

• Beneficiary must have an active Aadhaar-linked bank account

Only workers meeting all the above conditions will be considered eligible for assistance.

Ineligibility Criteria

The following categories of individuals are not eligible to receive financial assistance under the Mukhya Mantrir Eti Koli Duti Paat Scheme:

• Tea garden owners and management staff

• Small tea growers

• Owners of associated businesses

• Government employees

• Contractual employees of any government entity

• Income tax payers

• Beneficiaries receiving similar cash assistance under other tea welfare schemes

The exclusion criteria ensure that the benefits reach only genuine tea garden workers.

Documents Required for the Scheme

Eligible beneficiaries will be required to provide the following documents at the time of verification and benefit disbursement:

• Proof of residence in Assam

• Aadhaar card of the beneficiary

• Active mobile number

• Tea garden worker registration number

• Bank account details along with IFSC code

These documents are necessary for identity verification and smooth transfer of benefits.

Application Process: How to Avail the Benefit

One of the key highlights of this scheme is that tea garden workers do not need to apply directly. The entire application and verification process is institution-driven, making it easier for workers.

Step-by-Step Process:

1. The tea garden management will prepare a list of all eligible tea garden workers (both permanent and temporary).

2. The list will be forwarded to the District Administration.

3. The District Level Implementation Committee (DLIC) will verify and approve the submitted list.

4. After approval, application forms will be distributed to eligible beneficiaries.

5. Tea garden managers will assist workers in filling out the application forms.

6. The filled application forms will be submitted to the District Administration for digitisation.

7. Beneficiary details will be uploaded and authenticated by the DLIC.

8. Selected workers will receive Rs. 5,000 through an account-payee cheque.

In case of any issues, beneficiaries can contact the District Administration for assistance.

Impact of the Scheme

The Mukhya Mantrir Eti Koli Duti Paat Scheme is expected to have a positive socio-economic impact on tea garden workers. By providing direct financial assistance, the scheme will help workers meet daily expenses, reduce dependency on informal borrowing, and improve overall financial stability.

The scheme also strengthens trust between the government and tea garden communities by ensuring targeted welfare delivery.

Conclusion

The Assam Tea Garden Workers’ Financial Assistance Scheme 2026 is a significant welfare initiative aimed at supporting one of the most hardworking sections of society. With a one-time assistance of Rs. 5,000, coverage of 7 lakh workers, and a budget allocation of Rs. 342 crore, the scheme demonstrates the Assam Government’s commitment to inclusive growth and worker welfare.

Tea garden workers are advised to stay in touch with their management and district authorities to ensure timely receipt of benefits under the Mukhya Mantrir Eti Koli Duti Paat Scheme.