The programme, which will be implemented under the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land, and Irrigation, will be carried out in collaboration with the Agricultural and Agrarian Insurance Board and the Ministry of Plantation and Community Infrastructure.
Under the proposed scheme, employees working in tea estates and tea factories will be eligible to enrol, with contributors given the flexibility to select premium instalments based on their financial capacity.
Accordingly, an individual joining the scheme at the age of 18 and paying a quarterly contribution of Rs. 600 will be entitled to receive a monthly pension of Rs. 5,000 upon reaching the age of 60.
Officials further stated that, depending on the level of contributions, beneficiaries will be eligible for monthly pensions of Rs. 15,000, Rs. 20,000, Rs. 25,000 or higher. Contributors will also be able to increase their premium payments at any stage to enhance their retirement benefits.
The proposed scheme also includes life insurance coverage, providing compensation in the event of total or partial disability due to an accident, or in the case of death before reaching pensionable age.
It was further noted that if a contributor dies while receiving pension benefits, the entitlement will be transferred to the spouse.
Officials emphasised that the initiative is designed to strengthen the long-term social protection and well-being of tea industry w
