Tea is an essential part of the lives of the people in India. For some, it is unimaginable to start the day without a cup of tea. And yet we remain ignorant about what happens during the production process of the tea that we buy in the supermarkets and shop.
Assam's tea plantations are known to be the largest producers of tea in the country. But their production has taken a hit in recent years due to the increased production costs and decreased export.
Oxfam Report
A recent research report commissioned by Oxfam and undertaken by TISS (Tata Institute of Social Sciences), prepared by interviewing 510 tea plantation workers in 50 tea estates, tells the story of the desolate conditions of the workers who are behind tea production.
The report includes findings on low wages, discrimination towards women, and denial of basic entitlements. The results show a sad reality of industry thriving on the hardships of an underprivileged group of people.
The report disclosed that tea plantation workers are paid less than the minimum wage limit decided for unskilled agricultural labour in Assam. Moreover, the amount paid to the workers has been the same for decades, even though prices for commodities have increased in a steep incline. Half of them possess BPL (Below Poverty Line) ration cards. Many are drowning in debt.
Apart from this, women tea plantation workers are mistreated, often having to do labour-intensive work without any rest or fair pay. While they are stuck with menial jobs such as plucking the tea leaves, men are accorded higher-paying jobs. They are underrepresented in positions of power and are deprived of agency.
Workers are also denied essentials and living conditions. Hygiene and health become secondary when one is trying to make ends meet. Tea workers have to work in substandard working conditions and go back to a dilapidated house to rest. Clean drinking water is a myth, education and healthcare a far-fetched dream.
What exacerbates such conditions is the growing consumerism and branding. A 200g packet of branded Assam tea sold in the market is priced at Rs 68, of which only 7 per cent goes to the workers while the supermarkets appropriate the rest.
COVID-19 Impact
COVID-19 has only worsened the already precarious economic and social position of the tea workers. India's economy was hit hard by the pandemic, and the unorganised sector suffered the most. Not only is the industry floundering due to the financial trauma, but workers also had to cease working during peak tea-leaves-plucking season. Eventually, the workers had to go back to work in April, regardless of lockdown rules.
What we are witnessing is a human rights crisis. There is an urgent need to uplift and empower the tea plantation workers. Well-designed laws and stipulations will go a long way in ensuring their rights. Additionally, exposing vulnerable workers to the virus will do little to help the economy and only aid in spreading the virus.
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