Assam chief secretary informs Governor about operationalisation of tea gardens from April 10

Guwahati: Assam Chief Secretary, Kumar Sanjay Krishna informed the Governor Prof. Jagdish Mukhi that as per the Central Government orders the tea gardens will be operationalized with 50 percent employees by maintaining all norms from the 10^th of this month.
Tea estates of Assam are under lockdown. A communique from Raj bhawan stated Mukhi took stock of the coronavirus situation in the state at a meeting held with the Chief Secretary, Director General of Police and senior officials of different line departments. The Governor underscored the need of constant surveillance and deployment of dedicated men and materials to mitigate the emergent situation arising out of COVID-19.

Prof. Mukhi observed that though there were no positive cases of novel corona virus till 30 March, the attendees of Tablighi Jamaat at Nizamuddin Markaz at Delhi reportedly marked the onset of novel corona virus in the state. Prof.Mukhi appreciated the state machinery for working day in and day out, he said that the need of the hour is to sustain the constant surveillance throughout the state to contain and control the pandemic.

The Chief Secretary, Kumar Sanjay Krishna informed the Governor that the Health and Family Welfare Department along with all Departments of the Government of Assam are taking utmost care to come out of the menace.

On being asked about the tea gardens and the tea workers scattered across the state, the Chief Secretary also said that through video conferences and through respective district administrations, the Government is in constant touch with the tea garden management. Moreover, the government is extending the fruits of all welfare services including free rice, dals, sugar etc to the people living in the tea garden areas. He also said that that as per the Central Government orders the tea gardens will be operationalized with 50 percent employees by maintaining all norms from the 10^th of this month.

Principal Secretary, Labour Welfare Department J.B.Ekka informed that a sum of 1200 has been released to 143318 beneficiaries who happens to be widows. Further 2 lakh 70 thousand construction workers are also being targeted for various benefits. Steps have been taken for release of all dues and increase wages under MGNREGA as part of the special package announced by Government of India.

The Governor also stressed that since the economy of Assam is predominantly agriculture based, farmers’ welfare during this epidemic period should be given top priority and the government should lend capacity building to the farmers with regards to cropping and harvesting. Chief Secretary informed that adequate stock of rice and dal is there in FCI and more is being stocked and Gaon Panchayat Samabay Samitees have been directed to lift rice and dal for distribution through fair price shop as per Government announcements at the rate of 5kg rice and 1 kg dal per family. Additionally, Rs.1000 would be provided to all the beneficiaries concerned.

Principal Secretary, Agriculture Rajesh Prasad informed the Governor that District Level Committees have been formed for harvesting and procurement especially produce of the Rabi crops. The Governor also said that the department should use different Central and State Governments’ scheme for the empowerment of the farmers. The Principal Secretary informed that under Mukhya Mantrir Krishi Sa Sajuli Yojana Rs.2500 will be transferred to 6 lakh beneficiaries for purchasing farm related equipment and other supportive items and other central and state govt. schemes will also be provided for the welfare of the farmers. He also said that money has been transferred in the accounts of 1 lakh farmers and rest is on the way.