Assam tea workers celebrate 20% Durga Puja bonus from major tea estates

Dibrugarh: In a major boost for tea workers across Assam, 90 tea estates belonging to seven prominent tea groups have announced the maximum permissible Durga Puja bonus of 20%, marking a significant victory for labour unions advocating enhanced worker benefits.

The Assam Chah Mazdoor Sangha (ACMS), the state’s largest tea workers’ union, confirmed on Friday that leading tea groups — including Mcleod Russel, Andrew Yule, Dhunseri, Goodricke, Luxmi Group, Asian Group, and Assam Company India Limited (ACIL) — have declared the highest bonus rate under the Payment of Bonus Act, 1965. “This is a landmark achievement for our tea workers, who form the backbone of Assam’s economy.

We have been vigorously advocating for the industry to pay the maximum bonus, and this decision by seven major groups covering 90 estates will significantly impact the lives of thousands of workers during the festive season,” said ACMS general secretary Rupesh Gowala. The announcement covers a substantial portion of Assam’s tea industry, with Mcleod Russel leading with 31 estates, followed by ACIL with 14 gardens, Luxmi Group with 13, Goodricke with 12, Dhunseri with 11, Andrew Yule with 7, and Asian Group operating 2 estates.

However, payment structures vary across companies. Dhunseri Group has committed to disbursing the entire 20% bonus in a single instalment, while others have opted for staggered payments to manage cash flow. Goodricke, Luxmi Group, and Asian Group will distribute the bonus in two installments — 15% before Durga Puja and the remaining 5% before Magh Bihu in January 2026. Mcleod Russel and Andrew Yule have adopted a different schedule, offering 12% before Durga Puja and the remaining 8% before Magh Bihu. The announcement comes at a critical juncture for Assam’s tea sector, which has been grappling with multiple challenges. As the economic backbone of the state, the industry contributes over 51% of India’s total tea output and accounts for one-sixth of global supply. With 803 registered large estates and thousands of smaller gardens, the sector employs approximately 676,835 people — over half of whom are permanent workers.

“Durga Puja bonus has always been a sensitive issue for tea workers in Assam, and this maximum payout reflects the industry’s recognition of their hard work. We expect all remaining gardens to follow suit and announce the 20% bonus,” Gowala added. Under the Payment of Bonus Act, 1965, employers are required to provide a minimum bonus of 8.33%, with a ceiling of 20%. The benefit applies to all permanent and temporary workers who have completed at least 30 days of service, ensuring broad coverage across the workforce.