Guwahati (Assam) [India], May 10 (ANI): The Assam Cabinet on Saturday approved 'Eti Koli Duti Paat' scheme to provide one-time assistance of Rs 5000 to each permanent and temporary labourer of the state's tea gardens on the occasion of the 200th celebration of Assam tea.

This announcement was made by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday while addressing a press conference.

'The Assam cabinet today approved a scheme named 'Eti Koli Duti Paat.' Under this scheme, the state government will provide one-time assistance of Rs 5000 to each permanent and temporary labourer of the state's tea gardens on the occasion of the 200th celebration of Assam tea,' Sarma said during a presser.

Renowned globally for its richly coloured and aromatic tea, Assam's tea industry provides livelihoods to millions, with many others directly or indirectly dependent on the plantations. The state is famous for both Orthodox and CTC (Crush, Tear, Curl) varieties of tea.

Assam now produces nearly 700 million kg of tea annually and accounts for around half of India's overall tea production.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister also announced that the Dibrugarh airport will be honoured in the name of Bharat Ratna Bhupen Hazarika, the legendary singer and cultural icon of Assam.

CM Sarma said, 'The Assam government has decided to dedicate the Dibrugarh airport in the name of Bharat Ratna Dr Bhupen Hazarika. In the next month, a day-long special session of Assam Legislative Assembly will be held so that the state assembly can recognise the decision taken by the state cabinet.'

Amidst the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, Assam Chief Minister said that the state government has decided to reduce its expenditure on seminars, events, etc. adding that no any Minister or officer will travel abroad at the government's expense.

'In view of the current situation, we have decided to reduce the expenditure for organising seminars, events, etc, until the situation ends. No Ministers or officers will travel abroad at the government's expense. During this period, except for police or security forces, we will not buy any vehicle. We will refrain from conducting big meetings and events during this period. We will try to conduct meetings in virtual mode as much as possible,' he said. (ANI)