Odisha CM announces special package for Kendu leaf pluckers

CM Patnaik said ₹1,000 will be given to each plucker and ₹1,500 to each seasonal staff and binders in the first phase

Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday announced a special package for the welfare of 8 lakh Kendu leaf pluckers and other persons engaged in the trade.

Odisha is the third largest producer of Kendu leaf next to MP and Chhattisgarh. (HT Photo)

This development comes in the wake of the upcoming assembly bypoll in Padampur of Bargarh district next month.

Patnaik said ₹1,000 will be given to each plucker and ₹1,500 to each seasonal staff and binders in the first phase.

“All Kendu leaf pluckers and employees will be issued identity cards and included in Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana. Stipend will be given to the children of Kendu leaf pluckers and other employees. Besides, meritorious students will be awarded at the district level. Gratuity payment for circle and binding checkers will be increased from seven days to 15 days,” said Patnaik, adding that Odisha is the first state in the country to give bonus to kendu leaf pluckers.

Patnaik said Centre has imposed 18% GST on Kendu leaf business which is hurting the interest of kendu leaf pluckers.

“I had earlier requested the central government to remove GST from Kendu leaf business and I am again raising my demand to completely abolish GST system from the business,” he said.

Odisha is the third largest producer of Kendu leaf next to MP and Chhattisgarh and produces about 20% of the countries annual production.

At least 18 of the 30 districts including Bargarh, Bolangir, Sundargarh, Angul, Deogarh, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Malkanagri, Nabarangpur, Koraput and Sambalpur have maximum kendu leaf growing areas.

One of the most important non-wood forest products of Odisha, leaves are used for wrapping Bidis.

The state forest department controls the trade through Orissa Kendu Leaves (Control of Trade) Rules, 1962 and Orissa Kendu Leaves (Control of Trade) Act, 1961.