ShodhPatra: International Journal of Science and Humanities

Tea’s Bitter Truth: Health, Rights, And Women Workers in Assam’s Tea Sector

This article, “Tea’s Bitter Truth: Health, Rights, and Women Workers in Assam’s Tea Sector,” delves into the complex realities faced by women laborers in one of India’s most significant agricultural industries. Assam’s tea sector, globally renowned and economically vital, relies heavily on women workers who form the backbone of plantation labor. The article begins by contextualizing the historical development and economic relevance of the Assam tea industry, highlighting the predominance of women in its workforce and the gendered division of labor that shapes their roles and experiences. A central focus is placed on the multitude of health challenges confronting women tea workers. These include exposure to occupational hazards, maternal health issues, malnutrition, and the burden of mental health concerns—problems that were further exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted healthcare access, heightened vulnerability to illness, and intensified social and economic insecurities. The article also examines the legal and policy frameworks intended to protect workers’ rights, such as the Plantation Labour Act and Minimum Wages Act, while critically assessing the gap between legislation and actual implementation. Furthermore, the article explores persistent gender discrimination, economic exploitation, and barriers to leadership that women face, compounded by intersecting factors such as caste and ethnicity.. The roles of the state, corporations, and consumers are scrutinized, culminating in recommendations for policy reform, improved welfare provisions, and gender empowerment. Ultimately, the article calls for urgent and coordinated action to safeguard health and rights in Assam’s tea sector, ensuring justice and dignity for its women workers.