CM to Launch Distribution of Financial Assistance to Kendu Leaf Workers Today

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik will launch distribution of financial assistance to the kendu leaf pluckers and other workers engaged in the cultivation of it today.

The Chief Minister will launch the distribution of assistance at a programme to be held at 5.30 pm at Lokaseva Convention Centre.

Earlier on Wednesday, the CM announced the special package for around 8 lakh kendu leaf fluckers, binders and other seasonal staff associated with it.

As per the special package, in the first phase, Rs 10,00 will be given to each plucker and Rs 15,00 to each seasonal staff and binder. Further, all the kendu leaf pluckers and other workers will be included in the Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana and the stipends will be given to their children. Meritorious students will be awarded at the district level.

The gratuity payment for circle checkers and binding checkers will be increased from seven days to 15 days and all the kendu leaf pluckers will be provided with the Identity Card.

On Saturday, CM Naveen Patnaik also urged the Centre to withdraw the imposition of GST on Kendu leaves for the greater interest of Odisha.

Naveen said that imposition of 18 per cent GST on Kendu leaves is adversely affecting the Kendu leaves trade.

Mentioning that Kendu leaf is the financial backbone of about 8 lakh Kendu leaf pluckers, binders & seasonal workers, the CM has said that imposition of GST affects their livelihoods and implementation of social security and welfare schemes for them.