POLITICAL MARGINALIZATION AND FEMALE TEA WORKERS: A CASE STUDY OF ROSEKANDY TEA ESTATE, ASSAM

Kalyani Chakravorty and Dr. Debotosh Chakraborty

Abstract
In India, women have been provided equal rights as with men and although women are taking part in the decision making process, but a doubt remains about their true participation. Situation is grimmer particularly in the tea plantation sector, where participation of women in political affairs is under question. In the Cachar district of Assam, the situation is more intricate and the female tea workers constitute a marginalized group in the politics of Cachar as well as Assam. In this backdrop, the study seeks to evaluate the nature of participation of female tea workers in political activities; and explore their involvement in political decision-making process. For the purpose of the study Rosekandy Tea Estate of Cachar district was selected as it is one of the best tea gardens in the district. The study was conducted with one hundred twenty (120) respondents; out of which eighty (80) were female tea workers and the rest were male workers of their family. The study revealed that their participation in political activities is limited only to casting votes and attending political meetings; they are apathetic towards contesting election at the grassroots level even though seats are reserved for them. None of them are members of any political party and social welfare groups. Even at the trade union level also their presence is minimal.
Keywords: Female Workers, Tea Garden, Marginalization and Decision Making.