Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Sunday took some new measures for the welfare of Kendu leaf pluckers and workers.
According to the Chief Minister’s announcement, Kendu leaf pluckers will get 50 per cent bonus for the current crop season. This bonus amount is double from last year. It will be directly deposited into their bank account.
Similarly, 10 percent incentive has been announced for binders and temporary workers. Temporary employees will be given one month more work.
The Chief Minister also announced an increase in the price of kendu leaf bundle. The bundle of 20 leaves has been increased from Rs 1.40 to Rs 1.60. Similarly, the bundle of 40 leaves has been increased from Rs 2.80 to Rs 3.20.
It is worth mentioning that the government has also accepted the wage revision proposal for temporary employees. Their TA and Cycle Allowance have been increased by 50 percent. Pensioners can join the social security scheme till the age of 62 years. Earlier this age limit was 60 years.
According to the government announcement, during the new crop season starting from next April, Kendu leaf pluckers family will get financial assistance for their two daughters’ marriage. They will get Rs 25,000 for the wedding of each daughter.
5T Chairman Kartik Pandian informed about the Chief Minister’s decision in a public meeting at Reirakhol in Sambalpur. He also played a video message of the Chief Minister in the mega rally.
Notably, 80% of kendu leaf beneficiaries are women and more than 95 percent of beneficiaries mainly belong to scheduled castes, scheduled tribes and other backward classes.
About 9 lakh pluckers, binders, and temporary workers will be benefited by the Chief Minister’s initiative for the welfare of kendu leaf pluckers. The State government will spend more than Rs 150 crores for this.
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