Expressing discontent over the recent move, the industry is still unclear on certain issues. The notification does not speak about Sunday wages (a provision which the Assam government was entitled to change under the Minimum Wages Act) being paid subject to consecutive work of six days.

The industry quite often faces absenteeism on plantations as far the tea sector is concerned. Moreover, this notification addresses only workers of the Assam Valley and not the Cachhar Valley.

Industry observers who spoke to The Financial Express said that the independent move of the government questions as to what happens to the three-year wage agreement due to expire in October and get renewed once again forthe following three years.

According to the normal procedure wage increases take place every year and independent moves by the government would strain the relationships between the union and industry, say analysts.

Sources in the state say that apart from Assam Cha Mazdoor Sangha, which happens to be single union of plantation workers in the state, other groups like Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh, CITU, Sromo Parishad of the AGP and a unit of the state BJP, have raised their voices over issues in the recent times.