On October 13, 2025, two to three lakh tea workers and Adivasis in Assam’s Dibrugarh district organised a massive protest demanding Scheduled Tribe (ST) status, a daily wage hike to Rs 551, and legal distribution of land leases.
Organised by several workers’ and student associations, the protest paralyzed operations in 218 tea estates and plantations, drawing significant attention to the community’s long-standing socio-economic grievances.
Leaders warned the government to address these demands before the 2026 Assam Assembly elections or face political consequences. Several officials, including former Union Minister Paban Singh Ghatowar, expressed solidarity with the protesters and called for swift action.
Massive Protest Reflects Deep Grievances
On a October day, tens of thousands of tea workers and members of the Adivasi community descended upon the streets of Dibrugarh, Assam, creating a sea of people united by a common cause. The protest, one of the largest in recent years, was marked by chants calling for justice, dignity, and recognition.
Workers marched from four major points-Kheraj, Nakari, Surenagaon, and Amlapara-converging at the historic Chowkidinghee Chariali. The sheer scale of the mobilisation disrupted daily life and forced the closure of many schools and businesses.
The Assam Chah Mazdoor Sangha (ACMS), the Assam Tea Tribes Students’ Association (ATTSA), and other unions led the peaceful demonstration. Their primary demands focused on three crucial issues: recognition of tea workers and Adivasis as Scheduled Tribes, an increase in the daily wage rate to Rs 551, which they argue matches inflation and living costs, and legal rights to land leases for better livelihood security.
ATTSA president Dhiraj Gowala voiced frustration with political parties, accusing them of prioritising the allocation of land to political offices rather than addressing the dire needs of landless workers. The protest ended peacefully, but the tone was serious, as organisers warned the government against further delays.
Historical Struggle for Rights and Recognition
The tea tribe and Adivasi communities in Assam have a long history of marginalisation despite their integral role in the state’s tea industry, one of Assam’s economic mainstays. Workers have been demanding Scheduled Tribe status for over a decade, seeking the social benefits and affirmative action that accompany it. Without ST recognition, many are excluded from key government welfare schemes, education reservations, and employment opportunities.
The demand for higher wages has been a simmering issue, with workers pointing to decades of stagnation amid rising inflation and living expenses. Many live in poverty, with insecure land tenure adding to their vulnerability.
This wave of protests is part of a broader resurgence of Adivasi and tea worker activism. Prior to the Dibrugarh rally, a similar demonstration involving over one lakh workers took place in Tinsukia on October 8, followed by a torchlight march by the Motok community in September.
Despite promises from successive governments, tangible progress remains scant, prompting new urgency ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections. The coalition of labour unions, student groups, and community organisations now represents a strong, unified front demanding concrete government action.
Official Responses and Political Implications
The protest has not gone unnoticed by authorities. Former Union Minister Paban Singh Ghatowar publicly supported the demands, describing them as “just and long overdue.” Several senior officials acknowledged the workers’ plight, emphasising ongoing discussions but warning against further delays in implementation.
Political leaders recognise the protest’s potential electoral impact, especially with the state election approaching next year. Incumbent and opposition parties alike face pressure to address these issues to maintain or gain support from a crucial voter base. The protest organisers issued clear warnings to the government: unresolved demands would lead to intensified agitation and could affect election outcomes.
This heightened political focus underscores the intersection of social justice and electoral strategy, with tea workers’ demands now a significant issue on the Assam political landscape.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The Logical Indian acknowledges the peaceful yet powerful stance taken by Assam’s tea workers and Adivasi community in seeking rights long denied to them. Their advocacy for fair wages, scheduled tribe recognition, and land rights is a testament to their resilience in the face of historical neglect.
This protest sheds light on the structural inequalities embedded in Assam’s socio-economic fabric. Genuine progress will require transparent dialogue, empathy, and government accountability. Policymakers must honour their commitments, balancing economic growth with social justice to uplift marginalised communities.
The Logical Indian urges stakeholders-government, civil society, and citizens-to engage constructively with the tea workers, fostering a climate of mutual respect and collaboration.
