Assam Eti Koli Duti Paat Scheme: In a significant step towards honoring Assam’s 200 year tea legacy, the Government of Assam has launched the Eti Koli Duti Paat Scheme 2025 to provide financial support to the state’s tea garden workers. This initiative was announced during the State Budget 2025-26 by Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma as part of a wider effort to empower and uplift the lives of Assam’s tea community—an integral part of the state’s socio-economic fabric.
Under this landmark scheme, a one-time financial assistance of ₹5,000 will be provided to nearly 7 lakh tea garden workers, both from organized and unorganized sectors. The initiative is not just symbolic; it is a recognition of the hardworking community that has been instrumental in making Assam Tea a globally renowned brand.
Overview of Assam Eti Koli Duti Paat Scheme
| Scheme Name | Eti Koli Duti Paat Scheme 2025 |
| Launched By | Government of Assam |
| Announced In | State Budget 2025–26 |
| Financial Benefit | One-time ₹5,000 direct benefit |
| Beneficiaries | Tea Garden Workers (approx. 7 lakh) |
| Mode of Application | Online and Offline |
| Implementing Department | Labour Welfare and Tea Tribes Welfare Dept. |
| Official Portal | tea.assam.gov.in |
What is Eti Koli Duti Paat Scheme?
The “Eti Koli Duti Paat” translates to “one bud, two leaves” – a phrase that holds deep cultural and economic significance in Assam’s tea history. The scheme is a tribute to this enduring heritage and aims to extend meaningful financial help to tea garden workers who have tirelessly served this industry for generations.
This scheme commemorates the bicentennial (200 years) of Assam Tea (1825–2025) and aims to express the state’s gratitude through a tangible benefit directly to the workers.
Objectives of the Eti Koli Duti Paat Scheme
The Eti Koli Duti Paat Scheme has a three-fold objective:
Promotion of Tea Heritage: Highlight Assam’s unique role in global tea cultivation and renew focus on sustainable livelihoods in this sector.
Empowerment of Tea Workers: Providing direct financial support of ₹5,000 to help meet daily expenses or small emergencies.
Recognition of Contribution: Acknowledge the vital role of tea garden workers in building Assam’s identity.
Eligibility Criteria for Assam Eti Koli Duti Paat Scheme
To benefit from the scheme, applicants must fulfill the following eligibility conditions:
- Must be a permanent resident of Assam.
- Should be a registered worker of a recognized tea garden (organized/unorganized sector).
- Must possess a valid bank account in their name (preferably linked with Aadhaar).
- Only active workers currently engaged in tea garden work will be considered.
- Applicant must not be a recipient of similar central or state one-time benefit schemes (for this purpose only).
Required Documents for Eti Koli Duti Paat Scheme
To apply under the Eti Koli Duti Paat Scheme 2025, eligible applicants must upload or furnish the following documents:
- Aadhaar Card
- Ration Card
- Bank Passbook (first page copy)
- Recent Photograph
- Valid Mobile Number
- Employment Certificate from Tea Garden Authority
- Residential Proof (Voter ID, Utility Bill, etc.)
- Affidavit or Self-Declaration as required by guidelines
Also Read: Mission Bhumiputra 2025 – Assam Caste Certificate Apply Online Process
How to Apply Online for Eti Koli Duti Paat Scheme 2025
The application process is designed to be simple and accessible:
Step-by-step Online Application:
- Visit the official portal: tea.assam.gov.in
- Click on “Apply Online” under the Eti Koli Duti Paat Scheme section.
- Register using your mobile number and generate a login ID.
- Fill in the details including name, tea garden, contact information, and bank details.
- Upload all required documents in PDF/JPEG format.
- Cross-check the form and click Submit.
- Download and keep a copy of the Application Acknowledgment Receipt.
Alternatively, offline applications can be submitted through Block Development Officers (BDOs) or Labour Welfare Offices in tea-growing districts such as Dibrugarh, Tinsukia, Sivasagar, Jorhat, Sonitpur, Golaghat, and others.
When Will the Amount Be Credited?
Once the verification process is complete, the ₹5,000 financial assistance will be directly transferred via DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer) to the applicant’s bank account. As per the Cabinet note, the first round of disbursal is expected to begin in September 2025, ahead of Durga Puja.
Why the Scheme Matters: Government’s Vision
Tea garden workers have historically been underrepresented in welfare policies. This scheme is part of the broader Assam Tea Tribes Welfare Department’s 2025 roadmap, which includes health insurance, girl child education, worker housing, and skill development.
The Eti Koli Duti Paat Scheme complements existing welfare measures like:
- Chah Bagicha Dhan Puraskar Mela (for financial inclusion)
- Free LPG connections under PMUY
- Free Uniforms & Textbooks for Tea Tribe Children
- Arunodoi Scheme (for eligible households)
Important Dates
| Scheme Launch | July 2025 |
| Online Application Start Date | 20 July 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | 31 August 2025 |
| Fund Transfer (DBT) Begins | September 2025 |
Conclusion
The Assam Eti Koli Duti Paat Scheme 2025 is not just a welfare initiative—it’s a tribute to the soul of Assam’s identity. With this scheme, the Government of Assam aims to strengthen the dignity, financial security, and recognition of lakhs of tea workers who have dedicated their lives to nurturing Assam’s tea industry.
Workers and stakeholders are encouraged to apply in time and spread awareness so that no eligible family is left behind.
