Govt will enhance social security network of tea garden population: CM
Guwahati, July 4 (NKTV): Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma ceremonially launched Assam Tea Industries Special Incentive Scheme (ATISIS), 2020 in a programme held at Assam Administrative Staff College in Guwahati today. ATISIS is aimed at boosting production of orthodox or speciality tea in the state by extending incentives to the tea gardens.
Noteworthy that under the scheme, government will provide interest subvention of 3% on working capital loan per annum subject to a maximum of Rs. 20 lakhs apart from, orthodox or specialty tea production subsidy of Rs. 7 per kg, 25% subsidy for Orthodox & Specialty Tea Unit for Plant & Machinery subject to maximum of Rs. 30 lakhs and Agricultural Income Tax Holiday for 3 years. Tea Manufacturing units, manufacturing either orthodox tea or specialty tea will be eligible for the scheme, which will be applicable only to the units located in Assam. This Scheme is applicable for a period of three year.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that the scheme is launched to give a renewed push to production of orthodox tea to establish a balance between orthodox and CTC tea production. The new scheme will also help the tea gardens to overcome the present stressed situation, the CM added.
Further informing that the Assam government gears up to enhance social security network of tea garden population, the Chief Minister said that plans are afoot to gradually take over the existing health and educational institutions of the tea estates to ensure holistic development of the tea garden population.
He also said that the state government plans to bring in reform to maximize use of land resources available in the tea gardens. He further said that the state government is working to provide tap water connection in every tea garden house under Jal Jeevan Mission by December 2024.
He also informed that government plans to provide gas pipeline connection in every tea garden house of upper Assam districts including Tinsukia, Dibrugarh and Sivasagar through the gas grid of Assam Gas Company.
The CM also spoke about the need for extensive promotion of Assam Tea at international level.
Industries & Commerce Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary, Finance Minister Ajanta Neog, MLA & Political Secretary to the CM Jayanta Malla Baruah, Chairman of Tea Board Prabhat Bezbaruah, Chairman of Indian Tea Association Vivek Goenka, GM of SBI SLBC Suranjana Dutta also spoke on the occasion.