Leader of Opposition and senior Congress MLA Debabrata Saikia today criticised the Assam government for what he described as its continued silence on key issues affecting landless tea workers and the state’s farmers. Speaking during the Assembly session, Saikia said the government once again failed to give clear answers on matters that have remained unresolved for years.
Saikia said he had raised the long-pending concerns of the tea industry, which he described as the backbone of Assam’s economy, and the difficulties faced by farmers across the state. He added that despite placing specific questions and proposals, the government’s reply did not offer any concrete direction. “The response only showed an evasive attitude,” he said.
During his speech in the House, Saikia presented a set of major points for the government’s consideration. The first was the need to address the growing crisis in the tea sector. He said the tea industry has been facing various challenges for a long time and demanded that the government give priority to strengthening the agriculture and plantation economy. 
The second point he raised was related to land pattas for landless tea workers and the rising unemployment in tea garden areas. Saikia said that many families continue to live without secure land rights and that the government must take special steps to resolve the livelihood problems faced by tea communities.
Saikia also proposed the creation of a special fund for the welfare of tea workers. He said a dedicated financial allocation would help address housing, healthcare, and basic support needs for those working in the state’s tea gardens.
However, according to the Opposition leader, the concerned minister did not give any specific assurance on these issues. Saikia said the reply avoided the core concerns and instead repeated general statements that did not address the demands made in the House. “The government seems to think that speeches are enough to fulfil its responsibilities,” he said after the session.
Saikia added that the fight for the rights of tea workers and farmers will continue both inside and outside the Assembly. He said the Opposition will keep raising these demands until the government gives clear answers and takes action to solve the longstanding problems faced by these communities.
