Abstract

The case outlines the problems faced by the tea industry due to militancy in Assam. The case explores in detail the problems Tata Tea faced following allegations that it was funding militants. The case also presents arguments put forth by the company as well as the Assam government in the debate on ‘militant-funding vs. protection payment. The case is so structured as to enable students to gain an understanding of the special problems faced by the tea industry in Assam due to the socio-political unrest and terrorism. The case touches upon social, political and legal aspects of the Assam tea industry/ULFA-NDFB story. The case can be used to help students see the wide gamut of problems that a company operating in a politically sensitive region could face. The case is aimed at MBA/PGDBA students, and is intended to be a part of the Business Environment curriculum. The case can be used to help students see the wide gamut of problems that a company operating in a politically sensitive region could face.

Learning Objectives

The case is structured to achieve the following Learning Objectives:

• Role of Government in safeguarding industry
• Social responsibility of Industry.

Keywords

Tea industry, militancy, Assam, Tata Tea, funding militants, militant-funding, protection payment, structured socio-political unrest, terrorism, social, political, legal, ULFA-NDFB, politically sensitive region, Business ethics