MP Pabitra Margherita: Declare Tea As 'National Drink'

GUWAHATI: On Monday, BJP MP from Assam, Pabitra Margherita requested the government to designate Assam's "tea" as the nation's official beverage. He raised the matter during Zero hour in the Upper House. He stated that tea is an integral part of many people's lives and is a part of our culture and many people begin their day with a cup of tea.

He said, "From Kashmir to Kanyakumari, and from Gujarat to Northeast, tea is available in every household kitchen. Hence it should be declared our country's national drink."

Margherita further demanded that a special package should be given for the overall development of the tea garden workers. He stated that North East India has approximately 50 Lakhs tea workers. He stated, "During the British Rule and in the last 70 years of Congress regime we had lost many things. There should be a special package for the overall development of the tea garden workers."

Margherita also appraised that Assam tea will complete 200 years in 2023. He stated,"The people of Assam will celebrate the occasion with enthusiasm. Therefore, I request the Centre to extend its cooperation for the promotion of the tea industry of Assam and other parts, throughout the country as well as abroad."

Margherita also informed the house about the availability of various types of tea drinks in the market. The drinks are sold under the name of tea which is adversely harming the tea industry in Assam.

He added, "In want to request the government that the tea industry should not be harmed by other ingredients that are being sold in the name of tea. Appropriate action should be taken in this regard."

It is to mentioned here that 52% of India's tea is produced in Assam, which is also the country's top tea producer. Around 850 large estates in Assam employ more than 10 lakh tea workers in the organised sector. The unorganised sector contains the remainder. There are more than 60 lakh people living in the tea belts of the Brahmaputra and Barak valleys.

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