Field Study: Factors Determining Access to Public Schemes Information and Entitlements for the Tea Tribe Community in Assam

There have been efforts to undertake critical measures and steps by the State Government of Assam for improving social and economic conditions of the vulnerable tea tribe community in recent years, the community producing 53% of India’s total tea production. A slew of public schemes have been designed and being delivered by the State Tea Tribe Welfare Directorate in regular intervals, as well as schemes and delivery at State inter-departmental levels in tea tribe areas. However, the access to government scheme, social protection measures have been a major access related demand and supply centric challenges at community level.  Earlier studies have looked at wider issues of working conditions and provisions in basic facilities for the workers community. This is a qualitative study in finding the key determinants in demand and supply sides that restricts access, demand and uptakes of public schemes and entitlements by the tea tribe community, one of the most vulnerable groups in Assam.