‘Workers are the miners of nation-building’: Shri Sarbananda Sonowal
Empowering Tea Workers strengthens the foundation of the Nation,” says Union Minister ‘Honouring workers is essential for national strength,’ says Shri Sonowal at Shramik Kalyan Divas
The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways(MoPSW), Shri Sarbananda Sonowal attended the ‘Shramik Kalyan Divas’ programme held at Dinjoy field, Chabua in Dibrugarh district. today, organised to commemorate the birth anniversary of eminent tea worker leader Santosh Kumar Tapno.
The event featured recognition of individuals and institutions for their contributions to education, healthcare, welfare & infrastructure development in the tea garden regions. Shri Sonowal presented felicitations and handed over financial assistance cheques to beneficiaries under the Assam Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board.
The Minister also launched free CSC-enabled registration, renewal, and onboarding services under the Nirman Sakhi initiative, aimed at enhancing welfare access for workers.
Speaking at the event, he paid rich tribute to Santosh Kumar Tapno, describing him as a visionary social reformer, educator, and labour leader who dedicated his life to the uplift of the tea tribes & Adivasi communities.
“A nation that fails to honour its workers can never become strong. A society that does not respect its workers cannot remain healthy. Governments that treat workers only as a vote-bank fail in nation-building,” Shri Sonowal said.
He said the era of hollow political slogans around workers’ welfare had ended after Prime Minister Narendra Modi assumed office, leading to a transformation rooted in policy, intent, and inclusive governance.
“Under PM Modiji’s leadership in the last 11 years, workers—whether from tea gardens, factories, construction, or agriculture—have gained economic and social security through schemes that ensure housing, healthcare, education, banking access, and dignified livelihood opportunities. Workers are the foundation of nation-building,” Shri Sonowal said.
Highlighting India’s growing economic strength, Shri Sonowal added, “India is now the fourth-largest global economy. Our workers today build ships, defence equipment, and export goods worldwide. The reason India stands with confidence is because of PM Modi’s resolve, capability, and vision.”
The Union Minister noted that more than 7.5 lakh tea workers in Assam have opened bank accounts through PM Jan Dhan Yojana, ensuring direct financial inclusion. He mentioned the state’s initiative ‘Eti Koli Duti Paat’, under which each tea garden worker receives ₹5,000 directly in their bank account.
Shri Sonowal highlighted improvements in roads, electricity, healthcare facilities, quality education, safe drinking water, and maternity care in tea garden areas.
“The sweat and hard work of our tea workers are infused into every leaf of Assam tea. The government is committed to strengthening their progress and wellbeing. Workers are the backbone, the driving force, and the miners of nation-building,” Sri Sonowal said.
Encouraging innovation in the tea industry, Sonowal urged companies to explore diversified production, “Tea companies must explore value-added products to enhance global competitiveness. This can significantly expand economic opportunities for the community.”
Shri Sonowal expressed deep emotional solidarity with the tea tribes and Adivasi community, stating that his childhood memories in the region were rooted in respect and belonging.
“Our future generations must understand the significance of this day. We are committed to ensuring the comprehensive development of workers because the nation’s progress is impossible without their prosperity,” Shri Sonowal said.