Mixed Reactions from Tea Industry on 2024-25 Budget

The 2024-25 budget presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman received mixed reactions from the tea industry. While the Tea Association of India welcomed the Pradhan Mantri Shramik Protsahan Yojana for tea workers, others expressed disappointment over the lack of specific benefits for the tea industry, such as export support and financial aid to commodity boards.

The 2024-25 budget presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has sparked mixed reactions within the tea industry. The Tea Association of India (TAI) praised the introduction of the Pradhan Mantri Shramik Protsahan Yojana (PMCSPY), aimed at improving the welfare of tea workers, especially women and children in Assam and West Bengal. TAI also highlighted the government's allocation of Rs 1000 crore for education and health services in tea-growing regions.

However, Sujit Patra, Secretary of the Association of Tea Auctioneers (ATA), expressed disappointment, noting that the budget did not offer specific benefits for the tea industry, such as higher RoDTEP rates for export enhancement. Patra also lamented the absence of financial support for commodity boards like the Tea Board, which he believes are crucial for sustainable development and promotional activities.

TAI did acknowledge positive aspects of the budget, such as the government's focus on employment generation, skill development, and the establishment of bank branches in northeastern tea-growing areas. The continuation of schemes like PMAY and PMGSY was also seen as beneficial for rural communities, including those in tea gardens.