Exploring the impact of occupational mobility on socioeconomic status of tea garden labor community of Assam

The study explores the impact of occupational mobility on the socioeconomic status of Assam's tea garden community. The study is based on primary sources of information and primary data has been collected from 5 districts of Assam, India. A total of 927 households have been interviewed to collect primary data. Amidst growing distress and worsening conditions in the plantation sector, tea garden laborers in the state have begun to migrate towards more lucrative job opportunities outside the tea gardens. As a result, there has been a significant change in occupational patterns in the tea gardens of Assam, leading to the emergence of a distinct social group known as ex-tea garden laborers. By comparing current and ex-tea garden laborers using a socioeconomic status (SES) index, the study finds improved living conditions among those who transitioned. It suggests promoting this transition through education and skill development to alleviate labor oversupply in the tea industry. This concise summary highlights the significance of understanding and addressing the socioeconomic changes brought about by occupational mobility in Assam's tea garden community.