Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today announced a sum of Rs 120 crore towards bonus and other assistance for the welfare of kendu leaf pluckers and other employees.
It will benefit around 8 lakh kendu leaf pluckers, binders, and other seasonal staff associated with it.
The state government has also decided to hike the collection price of kendu leaves. As a result, 7.50 lakh poor kendu leaf pluckers in the state can earn more than Rs 240 crore. Most of them are tribal women.
It is pertinent to mention that the state government is investing all the benefits of the trade surplus from the kendu leaf business for the welfare of pluckers, binders, and other seasonal staff.
