GUWAHATI: Assam health, finance and education minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday said that 47 thousand pregnant women in tea gardens of Assam have already got Rs. 12 thousand each.
Speaking at the ceremonial distribution event of the third phase of the ‘Chah Bagicha Dhan Puraskar Mela’ at Assam Veterinary College playground, Khanapara in Guwahati, Sarma announced many welfare initiatives for the tea tribe in the state.
“The tea gardens do not pay salaries to pregnant casual workers. But today, we provide Rs. 12 thousand each to every pregnant woman of the gardens. Till now, 47 thousand such mothers have got Rs. 12 thousand each,” said Dr. Sarma.
Minister Sarma also expressed his gratitude to union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman for announcing package for the welfare of tea tribe in her budget.
“It is for the first time, Rs. 1,000 crore has been provided for the welfare of children and women of tea gardens,” Sarma said in his speech.
