Agartala, May 2023:
In a major move aimed at improving the livelihood of tea garden workers, the Government of Tripura has once again revised the minimum wage structure for tea plantation laborers, bringing significant financial relief to thousands of workers across the state.
Back in January 2018, the Tripura Labour Department had announced a substantial increase in wages for tea plantation workers under the Minimum Wages Act, 1948. According to Gazette Notification No. F. 22(15)-LAB/TEA/MW/91/36-66, the minimum daily wage was increased to:
₹176 per day for adult male and female workers, and ₹88 per day for non-adult workers.
This revision came into effect after the recommendations of a state-appointed committee and was implemented from the date of publication.
2023 Wage Revision Brings Further Relief
Responding to further demands for wage enhancement and the rising cost of living, the state government formed a 10-member committee in 2023, chaired by MLA Shri Ratan Das, to assess the socio-economic conditions of tea workers. The committee included representatives from trade unions, government bodies, and the tea industry.
After a series of meetings—including one held on May 25, 2023, attended by members from the Tripura Tea Development Corporation, Surma Valley Branch of Indian Tea Association (SVBITA), and other stakeholders—the committee recommended a new round of wage increases.
Based on these recommendations, the daily minimum wage was further raised from ₹176 to ₹204 for primary workers (both male and female), and from ₹88 to ₹102 for non-primary workers (adolescents). This marks a significant improvement and shows the government’s continued commitment to worker welfare in the tea sector.
New Minimum Wage Rates (2023 Update)
Category
Revised Daily Wage
Primary Workers (Male/Female)
₹204
Non-Primary Workers (Adolescents)
₹102
This latest wage hike comes as a direct result of the government’s proactive approach, timely intervention, and collaboration with tea estate owners and labor organizations. It is expected to uplift the standard of living for thousands of tea garden workers in Tripura, who form a critical part of the state’s agrarian economy.
The state government has assured smooth implementation of the revised wages and emphasized that this increase is in addition to other benefits like subsidized rations.
