Tea industry in Barak to start functioning soon

April 11: Tea gardens in Barak Valley will soon resume functioning after maintaining all government regulations. The gardens have ceased functioning since the declaration of lockdown by the government in the backdrop of the outbreak of coronavirus pandemic. Meanwhile, decision was taken to start operation in the tea gardens in Hailakandi. In Karimganj district, a meeting in this regard is supposed to be held soon. Deputy Commissioner, Cachar held a meeting with authorities of tea estates of the district on Saturday.

DC Cachar highlighted the fact that the government is trying to adopt necessary measures so that the gardens may resume operation as early as possible. She upheld the difficulties faced by the tea gardens due to the ongoing lockdown. As the home quarantine date for the first batch of at-risk persons ended without any major positive Covid-19 reports, it was easier for the DCs in Assam to allow resumption of tea making in the State.

As the home quarantine date for the first batch of at-risk persons ended without any major positive Covid-19 reports, it was easier for the DCs in Assam to allow resumption of tea making in the State. The safety measures were spelt out to the tea managements, and were told that there should be no laxity in their compliance. The managements have agreed to comply, and the ball is now set for tea making to begin for the current season. All tea garden will operate with maximum of 50 per cent of workers and employees on roster basis.

Movement of tea workers will be restricted within the garden of the premises of the garden and no outsider will allowed to enter the garden premises except for emergency services. As for the safety conditions, the tea gardens have been asked to ensure social distancing in the tea factories as well in the estates, where plucking activities would be carried out. Provision for frequent hand washing and sanitization, and face masks for all workers and employees has been made compulsory. DC Cachar also informed that vehicles carrying leaf should be sanitised before entering in to the garden. in addition to that, social distancing and proper sanitisation of the labour lines, hospitals, factories within each and every garden should be strictly adhered to.

In the meeting necessary instructions were also given to provide ration and other essential commodities as per government instruction to the labourers.  It was also stated that the labourers or their families recently released from quarantine should not be engaged in duty without prior clearance from District administration Cachar. It was further informed that during lockdown period wages should be paid to labourers and unwilling workers should not be forced to work. Moreover workers should be medically examined before engaging them. DC Cachar urged all concerned to ensure the functioning of tea gardens and should take necessary steps to resume at the earliest.

The meeting was attended by Rajdeep Goala, MLA Lakhipur & Joint General Secretary of Barak Cha Sramik Union (BCSU), DDC Jessica Lalsim, Additional Deputy Commissioner Sumit Sattawan and Assistant Labour Commissioner Rupali Pegu.