GUWAHATI: Three tea producers’ bodies – Assam Tea Planters’ Association (ATPA), North Eastern Tea Association (NETA) and Bharatiya Cha Parishad (BCP), have donated a sum of Rs.19 lakhs in total to Assam Arogya Nidhi fund to help the state fight COVID-19 pandemic.
ATPA has donated Rs 3 lakh, NETA has donated Rs.11 lakhs and BCP has donated Rs.5 lakhs.
“We stand in solidarity with the Government at this hour of unprecedented crisis”, said Dr Nazrana Ahmed, Chairperson, ATPA.
“Tea industry is one of the oldest industries and a mainstream industry of Assam and when our motherland is in crisis, we have come forward to do our bit”, said Sunil Jallan, Chairman NETA.
“Along with this humble contribution we express our sincere thanks to Hon’ble Chief Minister, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, and Hon’ble Health Minister, Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma”, said Nalin Khemani, Chairman BCP
“Tea industry is highly labour intensive and is one of the largest employers in the organised sector in India. We are proud that there is no tradition of laying-off workers in this 197 years old Assam tea industry, unlike other industries. The jobs of workers and employees are fully secured.”, said Bidyananda Barkakoty, former Vice Chairman of Tea Board of India.