Gauhati High Court (GHC) Seeks Measures & Preparedness Taken in Tea Garden Areas of Assam

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The Gauhati High Court (GHC) has directed the Assam Government to provide in writing the measures and preparedness taken in the tea garden areas of the State by May 31, 2021.

In the order The Gauhati High Court said, "Nevertheless, we want a written reply from the State, which must come on record before the next date. The Government in the counter affidavit must also show as to the test being done and what kind of test is being done, for determination of COVID-19 infection."

The order came after a PIL (27/2021) was filed by Anjan Nagg with issues relating to the present situation under the Covid-19 pandemic in the Tea Gardens of Assam.

Further the PIL stated that the condition of workers in these Tea Gardens is an issue which has been raised before this Court. The concern of the petitioner is that in these Tea Gardens, the guidelines of the Government of India relating to COVID management are not being followed and the Plantations Labour Act, 1951 and the Rules framed therein are also not being followed inasmuch as the COVID Care Centres within the Tea Gardens are taking care of only asymptomatic patients.

However, D. Saikia, learned Advocate General, Assam, on the other hand, argued that the Government has been conscious of the health of workers in these Tea Gardens and out of 800 Tea Gardens, vaccination has already started in 208 of these Tea Gardens, out of which 28,000 workers have been vaccinated and out of these 2,000 have also received their second dose.

Further, the order stated, "As far as the Mobile Medical Units (MMUs) and their use in these Tea Gardens is concerned, we have absolutely no doubt that since the Government already have the resources, these Mobile Medical Units must be put in use for testing and other purposes in the Tea Gardens as well, if not already being done."

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