Guwahati, 19 February (HS): Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday announced that the wages of tea garden workers will be increased with effect from March 1, as part of a series of major policy decisions unveiled during the ongoing Budget Session of the Assam Legislative Assembly.

The Chief Minister said the wage hike is expected to benefit thousands of workers across the state’s tea estates and comes in response to long-standing demands for higher daily remuneration in the sector. The announcement assumes significance ahead of the forthcoming Assembly elections.

In a move aimed at boosting industrial investment, Sarma informed the House that 20 companies from Japan will visit Jagiroad on February 28 to explore opportunities for setting up industries in the area. The proposed visit is being viewed as part of the state government’s efforts to attract foreign investment and strengthen Assam’s manufacturing base.

Making an employment commitment, the Chief Minister declared that if his government returns to power, 55,000 jobs will be provided within the first three years of the new term. He specified that all the recruitments will be made exclusively in the Education Department. Additionally, he announced that 5,000 appointments in the department will be completed before the elections.

Outlining the government’s economic vision, Sarma said Assam aims to become a Rs 10 lakh crore economy by 2028. He claimed that the state’s economy has grown by 45 percent over the past five years and asserted that Assam is now among the fastest-growing states in the country.

On the infrastructure front, the Chief Minister stated that the Kapili Hydro Power Project will be inaugurated within the next 10 days and is expected to generate 150 megawatts of electricity. He further informed that work has commenced on a 25-megawatt hydro power project in Karbi Anglong, aimed at expanding the state’s renewable energy capacity.----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash