Assam CM for stakeholders' synergy to turn around tea industry

Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal today advocated a synergistic approach among all stake holders to turn around the state's tea industry.
Sonowal batted for judicious use of science and technology to restore the global image of Assam Tea and make it a house-hold name.
Inaugurating a two-day conclave here to deliberate on the issues and challenges of the tea industry, the chief minister said there should be cooperation among the tea garden management, workers and government to help the sector grow sustainably.
Emphasising on the social and economic need to bring back the tea industry on a higher growth trajectory, he asked the tea companies to prepare a roadmap to which the state government will play the role of a "catalyst to infuse a new lease of life".

Sonowal said for the holistic development of the tea industry, the socio-economic condition of the workforce associated with it need to be developed.
He said the Assam government has intervened to enhance the maternity leave of women tea workers by six months, and during the leave period, the expectant mother is entitled to cash relief of Rs 12,000.
In a bid to encourage inclusive development and bring tea communities within the banking fold, it has also incentivised tea workers to open bank accounts, the CM added.