Assam Speaker against 'exorbitant' hike in tea labour wages

Assam Assembly Speaker Pranab Kumar Gogoi today said tea industry of the state will suffer if the wages of the garden labourers are increased in a "exorbitant and impractical" manner.
"We have to keep in mind that any exorbitant and impractical hike in wages of the labourers will affect the industry. It will suffer and eventually may close down also. Who will be responsible then?" Gogoi said during a discussion in the Zero Hour at the Assembly.
He cited example of the tea industry in Darjeeling, where many gardens were closed down after wages of labourers were hiked.
"I request the Minister to see what will be the minimum wages of the labourers in the tea gardens. Some say it should be Rs 300 per day, while some suggest Rs 500. These are controversial figures," Gogoi said.

Reacting to the Speaker's suggestion, Assam Tea Tribes Welfare Minister Atuwa Munda said the government has formed a committee under the Chief Secretary.
"The committee is studying all aspects now. Once it submits its report, we will consider it," he added.