The labour system in Assam was essentially that of indenture by which the labourers went to Assam under contract for a number of years. The government helped the tea-planters by providing for penal sanction in case of non-fulfilment of the contract by the labourers.

This view is explicitly made by T. Raleigh, Law (Committee) Member, when speaking on the Assam Labour and Emigration Bill of 1901: “The labour-contract authorised by this Bill is a transaction by which, to put it rather bluntly, a man is often committed to Assam before he knows what he is doing, and is thereupon held to his promise for four years, with a threat of arrest and imprisonment if he fails to perform it. Conditions like these have no place in the ordinary law of master and servant. We made them part of the law of British India at the instance and for the benefit of the tea-planters of Assam... The fact remains that the motive power in this legislation is the interest of the planter, not the interest of the coolie”.

A.

The role of the colonial state to help British tea-planters.

B.

Find out where the descendents of the workers work and live today.

Solution

The labour system in Assam was essentially that of indenture by which the labourers went to Assam under contract for a number of years. The government helped the planters by providing for penal sanction in case of non-fulfilment of the contract by the labourers. If the Indian labourers did not fulfil term and condition of the contract and employment he was given threat of arrest and imprisonment if he fails to perform it. Conditions like these have no place in the ordinary law of master and servant. We made them part of the law of British India at the instance and for the benefit of the planters of Assam... The fact remains that the motive power in this legislation is the interest of the planter, not the interest of the coolie.

The descendents of the labourers are living on the tract of hills of Assam and Darjeeling. They are living near by tea-plants in huts or small houses. They live very simple life but service condition, service protection, insurance, health facilities, life protection, annual bonus, etc. have been granted. They are using latest technology and machine for the processing of tea-plants and packing and loading for the tea boxes.

Some More Questions From Structural Change Chapter

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Structural Change

Some More Questions From Structural Change Chapter

Why is it important knowing Indian history?

(a) Colonialism (b) Industrialisation (c) Urbanisation.

Discuss briefly that tea plantation industry in India was governed by colonial interest.

Mention two major factors kept in minds for the benefit of the British tea planters by the colonial administrators.

Why is there importance of change in human-life?

What is the importance of the study of social change in our country?

“The idea of continuity is implied in social change”, explain the statement in brief.

Give a brief account of the impact of colonial forest policy in North-East India.

What is meant by structural change?

Why do we say that nation state have become the important political form after the first decade of the twentieth century. Briefly explain your answer.

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