APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes with MCQs and Answer Writing (11/07/2025)
For APSC CCE and other Assam Competitive examinations aspirants, staying updated with current affairs is vital. This blog covers most important topics from the Assam Tribune today (11-07-2025). These issues are key for both APSC Prelims and Mains preparation, offering insights into the APSC CCE Syllabus.
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đ Man-Elephant Conflict in Assam: A Human-Wildlife Crisis
đ GS Paper 3 (Mains): Environment & Biodiversity | Disaster Management
đ GS Paper 2 (Mains): Governance | Community Participation | Forest Rights
đ GS Paper 5 (APSC): Ecology of Assam | Wildlife Conflicts | Local Governance
đ Prelims: Elephant Corridors | Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 | Project Elephant | Retaliatory Killing | Elephant Reserves in Assam
đš Introduction
Between 2000 and 2023, Assam witnessed 1,468 human deaths due to elephant encounters and 626 elephant deaths due to anthropogenic causes, according to the Wildlife Institute of India. This escalating human-elephant conflict (HEC) is a result of habitat fragmentation, forest degradation, and expanding agricultural activities into elephant ranges.
đ Key Highlights from the Report
| Indicator | Data/Insight |
| Human Deaths (2000â23) | 1,468 |
| Elephant Deaths | 626 (primarily due to electrocution, train collisions, poisoning) |
| Top Human-Conflict Zones | Goalpara, Sonitpur (East & West), Udalguri, Golaghat |
| Peak Conflict Period | Post-monsoon season, during crop harvest and forest fragmentation |
| Causes of Elephant Deaths | Electrocution (209), Accidents (127), Poaching (55), Train collisions (67), Poisoning (62) |
| Frequent Conflict Villages | Likhak Gaon, Ambari, Jogigaon, Gor Mara Gaon, Jorhat, Kathalguri |
đ§ Prelims Pointers
Project Elephant: Launched in 1992 to protect elephants, their habitat, and migration corridors.
Elephant Reserves in Assam: Sonitpur, KazirangaâKarbi Anglong, DhansiriâLungding, ChirangâRipu
Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Asian Elephant is a Schedule I species (highest protection)
Retaliatory Killing: Understood as killings by villagers in response to crop loss or death
Elephant Corridors in Assam: Over 20 identified; many encroached or degraded
Anthropogenic Causes: Human activities such as deforestation, illegal fencing, infrastructure expansion
đ Mains Pointers
A. Root Causes of HEC in Assam
| Factor | Explanation |
| Habitat Fragmentation | Encroachments in forest areas restrict elephant movement |
| Agricultural Expansion | Crops like banana, paddy attract elephants during lean seasons |
| Infrastructure Barriers | Rail tracks, canals, electric fencing disrupt elephant corridors |
| Water Scarcity | Forces elephants into human settlements during dry periods |
| Rapid Urbanization | Towns like Goalpara, Jorhat expanding into elephant zones |
B. Impacts of the Conflict
| Domain | Consequence |
| Human Casualties | Loss of life, fear, and trauma in rural populations |
| Economic | Crops destroyed, loss of livelihoods, insurance gaps |
| Elephant Mortality | Deaths due to electrocution, poisoning, railway hits |
| Social Tensions | Community resentment towards conservation efforts |
| Biodiversity Loss | Disrupted migratory paths affect forest ecosystem balance |
C. Current Government Initiatives
| Agency | Initiative |
| Assam Forest Department | Real-time conflict monitoring; drone surveillance in Udalguri |
| Indian Railways | Speed control zones in elephant corridors; fencing in hotspots |
| Central Govt | Increased compensation for crop and life loss under CAMPA |
| NGOs & IITs | Use of AI and GPS collars to predict elephant movements |
| Project Elephant (MoEFCC) | Corridor mapping and fencing guidelines |
D. Challenges in Mitigation
Lack of Compensation Access: Delays and red tape in disbursal
Encroached Corridors: Politically sensitive to evict encroachers
Inadequate Fencing: Solar fences often broken or under-maintained
Community Distrust: Locals view elephants as threats, not assets
Policy Gaps: No coordinated landscape-level conservation plan
đ Reports & Data
WII Report on HEC (2024)
Assam State Elephant Conflict Atlas
India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2021 & 2023
Project Elephant Annual Reports
IUCN Asian Elephant Action Plan
đ§ Way Forward
| Strategy | Actions |
| Corridor Protection | Demarcate and legally secure elephant migration corridors |
| Habitat Restoration | Reforest degraded areas and waterholes near forest edges |
| Early Warning Systems | Use AI, sensors, and SMS alerts to track elephant movement |
| Community Involvement | Eco-development programs, training for coexistence |
| Elephant Task Force | Dedicated unit for rapid response, rescue, and relocation |
| Railway Collaboration | Build overpasses, underground crossings, and enforce speed limits |
𧊠Conclusion
Human-elephant conflict in Assam reflects the fragile balance between conservation and development. With community partnership, technological innovation, and proactive governance, Assam can serve as a model for sustainable coexistence between people and wildlife in Indiaâs biodiversity-rich regions.
đ¨ Youth Suicide Crisis in Assam: Alarming Rise and Need for Policy Urgency
đ GS Paper 2 (Mains): Governance | Issues Relating to Youth | Health
đ GS Paper 4 (Mains): Ethics | Human Values | Emotional Intelligence
đ GS Paper 5 (APSC): Society in Assam | Health Indicators | Education and Mental Health
đ Prelims: NCRB Data | Mental Health Programmes | Assam Adolescent Suicide Rate | KIRAN Helpline
đš Introduction
Assam has reported a disturbing surge in youth suicides, particularly among school and college students. Experts and child rights activists are urging immediate policy interventions, citing reasons such as academic pressure, mental health neglect, family instability, and digital isolation as primary causes.
đ Key Data and Observations
| Indicator | Value/Insight |
| NCRB Data 2023 | Assam ranks among top 10 states in youth suicides (15â29 age group) |
| Gender Trend | Suicides among young girls rising sharply |
| Cause Clusters | Academic failure, parental conflict, relationship trauma, social media pressure |
| Age Group Affected | Mostly adolescents (14â19) and early adults (20â25) |
| Areas with High Incidence | Kamrup (Metro), Dibrugarh, Jorhat, Cachar, Sonitpur |
| Child Rights Activists | Called for suicide prevention policies in schools and colleges |
| Mental Health Infra | Assam has only 1 psychiatrist per 3 lakh population on average |
đ§ Prelims Pointers
NCRB (National Crime Records Bureau): Tracks accidental deaths and suicides in India
Section 115 of Mental Healthcare Act, 2017: Suicide decriminalized; assumes mental stress behind attempt
KIRAN Helpline (1800-599-0019): National mental health support line
Manodarpan: Ministry of Education initiative to support student mental well-being
WHO Suicide Factsheet: Suicide is 4th leading cause of death among 15â19 age globally
UN SDG 3.4.2: Target to reduce suicide mortality rate by one-third
đ Mains Pointers
A. Underlying Causes of Youth Suicides in Assam
| Factor | Explanation |
| Academic Pressure | High expectations, peer competition, board exam stress |
| Family Dysfunction | Parental conflict, domestic violence, neglect of emotional needs |
| Mental Health Stigma | Reluctance to seek help due to shame or lack of awareness |
| Social Media Stress | Online bullying, body image issues, comparison anxiety |
| Lack of Coping Skills | Poor emotional resilience and support during failure or rejection |
B. Societal and Institutional Impact
| Domain | Consequence |
| Education | Dropout risk increases, creates fear-driven learning environments |
| Public Health | Suicide is preventable but under-prioritized in health budgets |
| Gender Vulnerability | Adolescent girls face dual burden of academic and social expectations |
| Ethical & Emotional Gap | Youth are often isolated, with limited access to value-based guidance |
| Community Breakdown | Families and peer groups often miss early signs of emotional distress |
C. Existing Government & NGO Efforts
| Initiative | Description |
| Manodarpan (MoE) | Online counselling and well-being tips for students |
| KIRAN Helpline (MoHFW) | 24/7 multilingual mental health helpline |
| District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) | Basic psychological services at district hospitals |
| Assam Mental Health Policy (Draft stage) | Proposes school counsellors and awareness drives |
| Snehalaya, AASRA (NGOs) | Provide shelter and psychological aid to distressed youth in NE |
D. Challenges in Prevention
| Challenge | Description |
| Infrastructure Gaps | Few psychologists in schools; poor outreach in rural Assam |
| Lack of Trained Personnel | Teachers not trained in spotting or handling mental distress |
| Exam-Centric System | Neglects creative learning, emotional intelligence, and life skills |
| Silence Around Mental Health | Family and social denial due to stigma or ignorance |
| Inadequate Research | Little disaggregated data on regional youth suicide patterns |
E. Way Forward
| Strategy | Recommendation |
| School Counselling | Appoint dedicated psychological counsellors in govt and private schools |
| Value Education | Include emotional intelligence, ethics, failure-handling in curriculum |
| Teacher Training | Conduct workshops to recognize distress signals in students |
| Digital Detox Plans | Promote safe screen time habits and digital balance among adolescents |
| Community Partnerships | Panchayats, SHGs, NSS to run mental health awareness camps in local languages |
| Fast-track State Policy | Finalize and implement Assamâs pending mental health action plan |
đ Supporting Data and Policies
Mental Healthcare Act, 2017
NCRB Suicide Data (2023)
UNICEF â State of Worldâs Children Report
WHO Mental Health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP)
Assam Health Infrastructure Mission (ongoing)
𧊠Conclusion
The rising tide of youth suicides in Assam is a silent epidemicâdeeply rooted in systemic neglect of mental health, emotional support, and socio-educational balance. A whole-of-society response, backed by urgent policy reform and compassionate governance, is essential to safeguard Assamâs next generation.
đŖī¸ Border Infrastructure Boost in Arunachal Pradesh: Strategic Roads near LAC
đ GS Paper 3 (Mains): Infrastructure | Internal Security | Border Management
đ GS Paper 2 (Mains): Centre-State Relations | Federal Infrastructure Planning | India and Its Neighbours
đ GS Paper 5 (APSC): NE Border Development | Assam-Arunachal Interface | Strategic Projects
đ Prelims: Border Roads Organisation (BRO) | LAC | TCC | Tawang | Arunachal Strategic Roads
đš Introduction
The Ministry of Defence and the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) have intensified road development in Arunachal Pradesh, especially near the Line of Actual Control (LAC). A new road connecting TCC (Tawang Chu Checkpost) to Tawang, near the Indo-China border, is set to enhance both civilian access and military mobility in a high-altitude conflict-sensitive zone.
đ Key Highlights from the News
| Feature | Details |
| Project Area | Tawang region, Arunachal Pradesh |
| Strategic Importance | Connects remote border posts to Tawang town near LAC |
| Executing Agency | Border Roads Organisation (BRO) |
| Status | Construction underway; phase-wise clearance from MoD |
| LAC Proximity | Region witnessed IndiaâChina standoff (e.g., Yangtse clash 2022) |
| Benefit to Assam | Enhanced linkages via Tezpur, Bhalukpong, and Sela Tunnel route |
| Complementary Projects | Sela Tunnel (under BRO), Nechiphu Tunnel, frontier villages development |
đ§ Prelims Pointers
Line of Actual Control (LAC): De facto boundary between India and China, not formally demarcated
Tawang: One of the most strategically sensitive districts; culturally Tibetan, demographically Indian
BRO: Established in 1960, under MoD; responsible for border roads in remote and sensitive areas
Sela Tunnel: Worldâs longest bi-lane tunnel above 13,000 feet, near completion; connects Tawang to Tezpur
Vibrant Village Programme (VVP): Central govt initiative to develop frontier villages near China border
India-China Border Roads (ICBR): Series of over 60 critical roads in Arunachal and Ladakh
đ Mains Pointers
A. Strategic Significance of Road Development
| Domain | Relevance |
| Defence | Enables fast mobilisation of troops, logistics to forward posts |
| Civilian Access | Connects remote villages with hospitals, markets, and education centres |
| Border Management | Enhances surveillance, deterrence, and border infrastructure parity with China |
| Emergency Response | Vital for evacuation and supply during border standoffs or disasters |
| Connectivity for Assam | Strengthens TezpurâBhalukpongâTawang axis, benefiting Upper Assam districts |
B. Challenges in Construction
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Terrain | Steep altitude, landslide-prone, poor soil stability |
| Weather | Snowfall, cloudbursts, and extreme cold delay project timelines |
| Environmental Clearance | Projects near protected areas require multi-stage approval |
| Labour Scarcity | Harsh conditions limit skilled labour availability |
| Strategic Secrecy vs. Transparency | Balancing public info with security sensitivity |
C. Government Measures and Policy Support
| Measure | Agency |
| Sela and Nechiphu Tunnels | BRO constructing all-weather tunnels to reduce travel time to Tawang |
| ICBR Projects | Strategic roads sanctioned under Ministry of Defence |
| Vibrant Village Programme | Encourages settlement and development of last villages on border |
| FAST Infra Clearances | MoEFCC fast-tracks clearances for critical strategic roads |
| Drone-Assisted Mapping | Used by BRO and ISRO to plan low-impact, high-efficiency routes |
D. Implications for Assam
Increased defence logistics from Assam garrisons like Tezpur and Missamari
Enhanced trade and tourism potential via new road links
Potential for eco-sensitive transit hubs in border districts (Sonitpur, West Kameng interface)
Military supply corridors through Assam highways and railways to feed forward bases
đ Reports, Schemes, and Policies
IndiaâChina Border Infrastructure Review (Cabinet Committee on Security, 2023)
ICBR (Phase II) Road Projects List â MoD
National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP) â Includes strategic road spending
BRO Vision 2025
Environmental Impact Assessment Notification, 2006 (with strategic exemption clauses)
đ§ Way Forward
| Strategy | Suggestion |
| Dual-Use Roads | Design roads for both military and civilian use with climate-resilient materials |
| Tunnel Expansion | Push for more all-weather tunnels to reduce high-altitude exposure |
| Integrate Assamâs Highways | Upgrade AssamâArunachal feeder roads for seamless military logistics |
| Local Participation | Hire local contractors and labour to build ownership and economic opportunity |
| Sustainability | Follow eco-sensitive construction with regular audits and impact checks |
𧊠Conclusion
Road building near the LAC in Arunachal is more than an engineering exerciseâit is a strategic necessity, balancing sovereignty, development, and deterrence. With Assam as the logistical backbone, these initiatives mark Indiaâs decisive push toward border infrastructure parity and regional integration.
đĨ Healthcare Strain in Assam during Monsoons: Hospitals Overwhelmed by Vector-Borne Diseases
đ GS Paper 2 (Mains): Health | Public Service Delivery | Issues Related to Vulnerable Sections
đ GS Paper 3 (Mains): Disaster Management | Environment & Health | Urban Issues
đ GS Paper 5 (APSC): Health Challenges in Assam | Monsoon-related Diseases | Infrastructure Gaps
đ Prelims: Dengue | Japanese Encephalitis | NVBDCP | Assam Health Infrastructure | ASHA
đš Introduction
As monsoon peaks in Assam, hospitals across the state are witnessing a surge in patients with vector-borne diseases such as dengue, malaria, and Japanese Encephalitis (JE). Government and private healthcare centres, especially in urban areas like Guwahati and Dibrugarh, are reporting shortages of ICU beds, diagnostic kits, and trained personnel, exposing serious public health and infrastructure vulnerabilities.
đ Key Details from the Report
| Feature | Details |
| Key Diseases Reported | Dengue, Japanese Encephalitis, Malaria (Plasmodium falciparum) |
| Affected Districts | Kamrup (M), Dibrugarh, Nalbari, Barpeta, Golaghat, Sonitpur |
| Hospital Strain | ICU shortage, overcrowded OPDs, delayed test results |
| Peak Period | JulyâAugust (heavy rainfall, water stagnation, poor drainage) |
| Govt Alert | Special JE surveillance initiated in Upper Assam; fogging drives intensified |
| Health Workersâ Complaint | ASHA workers lack adequate PPE and transportation during field visits |
| Vulnerable Groups | Children, elderly, immunocompromised individuals in rural/low-lying areas |
đ§ Prelims Pointers
Dengue Vector: Aedes aegypti mosquito; active during daytime
Japanese Encephalitis: Spread by Culex mosquitoes; vaccine-preventable
NVBDCP: National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme
Assam’s JE Vaccination Strategy: Routine immunisation in endemic districts
ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activist): Frontline workers under NHM
Mission Indradhanush: Immunization initiative covering JE in Assam
đ Mains Pointers
A. Root Causes of Health Crisis during Monsoon
| Factor | Explanation |
| Urban Waterlogging | Poor drainage creates mosquito-breeding grounds |
| Inadequate Surveillance | Delayed response to outbreak clusters |
| Health Infrastructure Gap | Shortage of ICU beds, test kits, and trained vector control teams |
| Climate Variability | Extended monsoons and heat-humidity cycles boost vector life span |
| Poor Awareness | Lack of household-level vector control and personal protection practices |
B. Impact on Society
| Domain | Consequence |
| Health Equity | Rural areas face greater mortality due to poor access to tertiary care |
| Economic Disruption | Productivity loss among daily wage earners; rising out-of-pocket expenses |
| Gender | Female health workers exposed to high-risk zones without safety gear |
| Mental Health | Fear of infection and hospitalization stress among families |
C. Government Interventions
| Scheme/Department | Action Taken |
| NHM Assam | Deployed mobile health camps in JE-affected zones |
| District Health Missions | Fogging, awareness campaigns in urban slums and rural schools |
| State Surveillance Units | Collect real-time data through Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) |
| Medical Colleges | Scaling up ICU facilities in Dibrugarh, Guwahati, Jorhat |
| Vector Control Task Force | Joint effort with municipal bodies for larvicide application and waste removal |
D. Challenges in Mitigation
| Challenge | Description |
| Poor Inter-Agency Coordination | Delays between health, municipal, and PWD responses |
| ASHA Undercompensation | Irregular payments and high risk without insurance support |
| Vaccine Gap | JE vaccination not universal in low-risk zones now becoming endemic |
| Private Healthcare Cost | Urban poor pushed into debt due to lack of free public care |
| Community Resistance | Reluctance in fogging or opening homes for spraying |
E. Way Forward
| Strategy | Recommendation |
| Urban Health Planning | Incorporate climate-based outbreak modelling in city planning |
| ASHA Support System | Provide insurance, transportation, and digital record tools |
| Expand JE Vaccine Zones | Include emerging hotspots as part of immunisation drive |
| Ward-Level Health Monitoring | Micro-mapping of cases to target resources precisely |
| Media & Education | Involve local influencers and teachers in health literacy campaigns |
đ Reports and Schemes
National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP)
National Health Mission (NHM), Assam
State Action Plan on Climate Change â Assam Chapter
WHO Vector Control Guidelines
15th Finance Commission Grants for Health Infrastructure
𧊠Conclusion
The annual spike in vector-borne diseases during Assamâs monsoon is no longer a seasonal inconvenienceâit is a public health emergency that demands a coordinated, community-based, and climate-resilient response. Strengthening frontline systems and infrastructure is key to saving lives and ensuring disease-free monsoons in the future.
APSC Prelims Practice Questions
đš TOPIC 1: Price Protection for Small Tea Growers
Q1. Consider the following terms used in the tea industry:
- Price Sharing Formula (PSF)
- Minimum Benchmark Price (MBP)
- Bought Leaf Factory (BLF)
- Tea Development and Promotion Scheme (TDPS)
Which of the above relate to government pricing or procurement mechanisms for small tea growers?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2 and 4 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
â
Answer: (b)
đ Explanation:
- PSF and MBP are directly related to price setting mechanisms.
- TDPS offers subsidies and support.
- BLFs are private factories that buy leaves but aren’t a pricing mechanism.
Q2. The âSri Lanka Modelâ of tea pricing, often referred to in Indian policy discussions, is based on:
(a) 100% government-fixed prices
(b) Market auction plus wage subsidy system
(c) Equal sharing of final sale value between grower and factory
(d) Minimum support price and bonus premium for quality
â
Answer: (c)
đ Explanation: Sri Lanka follows a 50:50 profit sharing model between small tea growers and processors after sale in the market.
đš TOPIC 2: Guwahati Metro Rail Project
Q3. Which of the following are correct about Indiaâs Metro Rail Policy, 2017?
- It promotes PublicâPrivate Partnerships (PPP) as the preferred model.
- Metro projects must be aligned with Comprehensive Mobility Plans (CMPs).
- It mandates that all metro corridors must be elevated or underground only.
Select the correct answer:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
â
Answer: (a)
đ Explanation:
- Statement 3 is incorrect: Metro corridors can be at grade, elevated, or underground depending on feasibility.
Q4. Guwahatiâs proposed Metro Rail aims to connect which of the following key transit points?
- Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi Airport
- Narengi Industrial Area
- Khanapara
- Dispur Secretariat
Select the correct answer:
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 4 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
â
Answer: (d)
đ Explanation: All listed areas fall along the proposed priority corridors of the Guwahati Metro Rail project.
đš TOPIC 3: Assamâs Border Trade & FTP 2023
Q5. Which of the following border points are officially designated Land Customs Stations (LCS) in Assam?
- Sutarkandi
- Darranga
- Mankachar
- Dawki
Select the correct answer:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2 and 3 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
â
Answer: (b)
đ Explanation: Dawki is in Meghalaya, not Assam. The rest are Assam-based LCSs with trade links to Bangladesh and Bhutan.
Q6. The Foreign Trade Policy 2023â28 includes which of the following features?
- Focus on transition from subsidies to facilitation
- Emphasis on e-commerce exports and paperless documentation
- Special border trade provisions for Northeast India
- Reduction in customs duty on all agricultural exports
Select the correct answer:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4 only
(d) 2, 3 and 4 only
â
Answer: (b)
đ Explanation:
- Statement 4 is incorrect: Customs duty decisions are made in Budgets, not through FTP directly.
đš TOPIC 4: Organic Farming in Hill Districts
Q7. Under which of the following schemes is organic farming specifically promoted in the Northeast region?
(a) PM-KISAN
(b) Mission Organic Value Chain Development (MOVCDNER)
(c) Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY)
(d) Fasal Bima Yojana
â
Answer: (b)
đ Explanation: MOVCDNER is a dedicated central sector scheme for organic agriculture in Northeast India.
Q8. Which of the following are benefits of organic farming in Assamâs hill districts?
- Higher premium in domestic and export markets
- Enhanced soil fertility and biodiversity
- Reduced yield and poor market access in the long term
- Alignment with tribal agro-ecological practices
Select the correct answer:
(a) 1, 2 and 4 only
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
â
Answer: (a)
đ Explanation: Statement 3 is incorrect â short-term yield may dip, but not âlong-term market accessâ.
APSC Mains Practice Question
â Question:
Small Tea Growers (STGs) contribute significantly to Assamâs tea economy but remain vulnerable to price exploitation and market volatility.
Discuss the need for a Price Protection Scheme for STGs and suggest measures to ensure their sustainable income and welfare.
(Word Limit: 250)
â Model Answer:
đ¸ Introduction
Small Tea Growers (STGs), who own less than 25 acres of land, contribute over 50% of Assamâs total tea production. Despite this, they face systemic challengesâlow prices, weak bargaining power, and lack of institutional protection. The demand for a Price Protection Scheme (PPS) reflects a critical need to ensure income stability and fair market access for STGs.
đš Need for Price Protection Scheme
- Exploitative Pricing: Bought Leaf Factories (BLFs) often pay below the Minimum Benchmark Price (MBP), leaving growers underpaid.
- Ineffective PSF: The current Price Sharing Formula is poorly enforced and excludes actual market realization.
- Market Volatility: Green leaf prices fluctuate seasonally, leaving growers financially insecure.
- Cost Burden: Rising input costs and low auction returns diminish profitability.
- Lack of Data Transparency: STGs are unaware of the final price their produce fetches in auctions or private sales.
đš Measures for Sustainable Welfare
| Strategy | Suggestion |
| New PPS Model | Base payments on total revenue realization (auction + private sales), like the Sri Lanka model. |
| Transparent Auditing | Tea Board must enforce mandatory factory-wise disclosure of sale prices. |
| Collective Bargaining | Promote STG-led cooperatives and FPOs to bypass middlemen. |
| Skilling and Certification | Train growers in quality plucking, organic cultivation, and value addition. |
| Access to Finance | Expand microcredit and insurance tailored to STG needs. |
đ¸ Conclusion
Empowering Assamâs STGs through a robust and transparent price protection mechanism is not only essential for their welfare but also vital to ensure the sustainability of Indiaâs global tea leadership. A fair pricing ecosystem will promote dignity, resilience, and long-term viability for millions dependent on this green economy.
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