Assam Tea Gardens Shift to 6 AM Start as Heatwave Forces Work-Hour Changes
Why in News?
- Under soaring temperatures during the ongoing heatwave, Assam’s tea garden management and labor authorities have revised work schedules, mandating a 6 AM start to tea plucking activities to protect worker health and maintain productivity.
Important Key Points:
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Advance Work Timing:
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Tea plucking in Assam gardens will now begin at 6 AM, instead of the traditional 8 AM start, to reduce heat exposure during peak afternoon hours.
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Single Time-Zone Adaptation:
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Many gardens already follow a local system—‘Tea Garden Time’—which is one hour ahead of IST to align shifts with daylight. The new 6 AM IST start matches that model for better safety in extreme heat.
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Heatwave Response:
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With temperatures hitting mid-30s °C and oppressive humidity, the adjustment helps safeguard workers against heat exhaustion and related risks.
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Health & Productivity Balance:
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Early starts aim to keep workers safe while enabling tea estates to meet daily plucking targets before temperatures soar.
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Reflects Broader Policy:
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This move echoes previous labor law adaptations in Assam, such as extended tea garden hours and early-morning shifts to balance productivity and welfare.
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