Ravi Kota, Assam’s chief secretary, highlighted the financial struggles of Andrew Yule & Co. Ltd. in a letter to the Union ministry. The company, managing several tea gardens in Assam, faces crop losses and financial instability. Kota requested support through a soft loan or asset monetization to prevent potential labour unrest and law-and-order issues.

A soft loan is a type of loan that is extended on more generous terms than market conditions. These favorable terms typically include below-market interest rates, longer repayment periods, or even a grace period before repayment begins. Soft loans are often offered by governments, international organizations, or financial institutions to support specific policy objectives, such as promoting development, supporting small businesses, or facilitating international trade.