Bhubaneswar: The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has once again demanded for the withdrawal of 18% GST on Kendu (Tendu) Leaf.
Raising the issue in Rajya Sabha through a Special Mention, BJD MP Dr. Sasmit Patra said that Kendu leaf is financial backbone of about 10 lakhs Kendu leaf pluckers, binders and seasonal workers of Odisha, mostly tribal mothers and sisters.
The tribal people collect the leaves as part of their right defined under Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006. They have the right to procure and sell these products.
Imposition of GST (18%) on Kendu leaves is adversely affecting the Kendu leaves trade. This in turn affects the livelihoods of Kendu leaves Pluckers, binders and seasonal workers and implementation of social security and welfare measures for them, the BJD MP said.
“In the interest of the livelihoods of the Kendu leaves dependent community, it is urged upon Government of India to withdraw the imposition of GST on Kendu leaves in greater interest of the tribals in Odisha”, he said.
Naveen Patnaik, then Chief Minister of Odisha had written to Government of India on 25th November, 2022 requesting for withdrawal of imposition of GST on Kendu leaves. In the 48th GST Council meeting held on 17th December, 2022 Odisha’s then Finance Minister had also raised the demand for exemption of Goods and Services Tax (GST) on Kendu leaf.
The Biju Janata Dal has been relentlessly seeking withdrawal of GST from Kendu leaf. The withdrawal of GST on Kendu leaf will strengthen and empower about 10 lakh tribal mothers and sisters. Complete withdrawal of the imposition of GST on Kendu (Tendu) leaf is important, the BJD MP said.
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