Proposal for new pension scheme for tea plantation and factory workers

14-May-2026

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The Agricultural and Agrarian Insurance Board has announced plans to introduce a new pension scheme for workers engaged in the tea sector and related industries.

This scheme, to be implemented under the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation, will be carried out jointly by 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 join. Contributors will also be given the option to select their insurance premium amounts based on their financial capacity.

Accordingly, a person who joins at the age of 18 and pays a quarterly contribution of Rs. 600 (once every three months) will be eligible to receive a monthly pension of Rs. 5,000 upon reaching the age of 60.

Officials further stated that depending on the amount contributed, individuals may receive monthly pensions of Rs. 15,000, Rs. 20,000, Rs. 25,000 or more. Contributors will also have the opportunity to increase their premium payments at any stage in order to enhance their pension benefits.

In addition, the scheme provides life insurance compensation if a contributor suffers full or partial disability due to an accident, or dies before reaching retirement age. If a contributor dies while receiving pension benefits, the entitlement will be transferred to the spouse.

Officials noted that the primary objective of this insurance scheme is to ensure the social security and wellbeing of tea sector workers in their old age, particularly when they lose the physical strength to continue working.