Tinsukia (Assam), 17 December (HS): The Assam government has announced a total assistance of ₹7 lakh each for the families of tea garden workers who lost their lives in a tragic road accident in Arunachal Pradesh.

Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma visited Gelahpukhuri Tea Estate on Wednesday and handed over ₹5 lakh each to the families of the deceased workers on behalf of the state government. He also informed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced an additional ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh for each bereaved family.

Expressing concern over the incident, the Chief Minister said that the practice of tea workers travelling to Arunachal Pradesh for work is a serious issue and needs urgent attention. He stated that such tragedies can be prevented only by creating a conducive environment for entrepreneurship and employment within Assam.

Dr Sarma further assured that the state government would soon take concrete steps to ensure the safety and security of tea garden workers, so that such unfortunate incidents do not recur.---------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash