Abstract

The tea gardens of Assam are a vital component of the state’s geography and economy, employing approximately 1 million workers across 856 gardens and contributing significantly to the political landscape by electing 25-30 representatives to the 126-seat state assembly. The workforce, predominantly classified as tea tribes, constitutes about 20% of Assam’s total population. Despite their importance, the welfare of these workers remains a critical concern, particularly in education. Previous studies have highlighted issues such as poor working conditions, inadequate pay, and insufficient housing and sanitation facilities. However, there is a notable lack of research focusing on educational budgets and quality in tea garden areas compared to other regions.

This collaborative study between PBET and CBPS aims to analyse public expenditure on school education in Assam, specifically within tea garden areas, from 2015-16 to 2021-22. By comparing educational parameters such as infrastructure, availability of Mid-Day Meals (MDM), teacher qualifications, and overall school management between tea garden and non-tea garden schools, the research seeks to identify disparities in educational provisioning. The study surveyed 46 schools across five districts—Dibrugarh, Jorhat, Sonitpur, Lakhimpur, and Tinsukia—focusing on schools situated within tea estates while ensuring that non-tea garden schools were sufficiently distanced to control for external influences. This examination is crucial for developing targeted educational programs that address the unique needs of tea garden communities amidst evolving labour regulations and management structures.

PBET & CBPS. (2022). Public Expenditure on School Education and Quality of Educational Provisions in Assam with Special Reference to the Tea Garden Region Schools.