Workers Protest at Assam Tea Estate Over Unpaid Durga Puja Bonus
Tensions escalated at the Hingrijan Tea Estate in Charaideo district, Assam, on Tuesday, as hundreds of workers staged a protest against the management of Andrew Yule & Co Ltd. The demonstration was sparked by the company's failure to disburse the second instalment of the Durga Puja bonus, which has been pending since before Magh Bihu in January. The workers are demanding immediate payment of the remaining 8% bonus, as promised by the management.
Background of the Bonus Dispute
The Andrew Yule group, which oversees ten tea estates across Assam, had announced a 20% bonus for its workforce ahead of the Durga Puja festival last year. The management planned to distribute this amount in two phases: 12% was paid in September 2025, with the remaining 8% scheduled for disbursement before Magh Bihu celebrations in January 2026. However, with January having passed and February nearing its end, the outstanding amount has not been credited to the workers, leading to widespread frustration and financial strain.
Legal Framework and Worker Rights
Under the Payment of Bonus Act, 1965, employers are required to provide a minimum bonus of 8.33%, with a maximum cap of 20%. This law applies to all permanent and temporary workers who have completed at least 30 days of service, ensuring broad protection for the workforce. The delay in payment by Andrew Yule & Co Ltd raises concerns about compliance with these statutory obligations, potentially violating worker rights and legal standards.
Voices from the Protest
Senior tea tribe leader Arup Kalandi, who participated in Tuesday's protest, highlighted that the issue is not confined to Hingrijan alone. He alleged that workers across all ten tea estates managed by Andrew Yule have yet to receive their dues. "Despite a clear commitment from the management to pay the second instalment of 8% before Magh Bihu, not a single worker across the ten gardens has received the money. This is a breach of trust," Kalandi stated. He added that workers had adjusted their festival expenses based on this promise, and the delay has caused severe financial hardship, with plans to continue agitating until the full amount is credited.
Affected Tea Estates
The tea estates impacted by the bonus delay include:
- Khowang, Bamun, Tingkhong, Rajgarh, Basmatia, and Desam in Dibrugarh district
- Hingrijan in Charaideo district
- Hoolungooree, Murphulani, and Bogijan in Golaghat district
Management Response and Future Actions
As of Tuesday evening, the Andrew Yule group had not released an official statement regarding the status of the pending bonus payment. The lack of communication has further fueled worker discontent. Workers have warned of intensified protests if their demands for immediate payment are not met, indicating potential escalation in the coming days if the situation remains unresolved.
The protest underscores broader challenges in the tea industry, where delays in wage or bonus payments can lead to significant financial distress for workers. It also highlights the importance of corporate accountability and adherence to labor laws in maintaining industrial harmony and worker welfare.
