GENDER BIASED VARIABILITY OF WAGEPATTERN AMONGST THE TEMPORARY LABOURERS OF SELECTED TEA GARDENS OF SONITPUR DISTRICT OF ASSAM, INDIA

Abstract

The tea garden labourers of Assam constitute an essential segment of the state’s socio-economic and cultural fabric, playing a pivotal role in sustaining its tea industry and overall economic growth. Despite their contribution, they remain affected by low wages, gender-based pay gaps, and limited social mobility. This empirical study investigates the wage structure of temporary tea garden labourers in the Sonitpur district, identifying the extent and causes of gender wage disparity and exploring possible measures to address these inequalities. Employing a mixed-method approach, the research combines primary data from field surveys and interviews with secondary data analysis to assess the socio-economic conditions and livelihood challenges faced by workers. The findings reveal a significant gender wage gap, insufficient policy protection for temporary labourers, and the pressing need for government and institutional interventions to promote equitable compensation and gender justice within Assam’s tea industry.