CM Naveen Patnaik Announces Rs 111 Crore Financial Package for Kendu Leaf Pluckers

On Friday, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik announced a financial package of Rs. 111 crores for 8 lakh kendu leaf puckers and those associated with the trade of forest produce. This is the second phase of financial assistance to be provided to people engaged in the kendu leaf trade in 2022.

In the first phase, Rs. 83 crores were sanctioned for the benefit of kendu leaf pluckers. The total financial assistance for kendu leaf pluckers and people associated with the trade has now become Rs. 194 crores for 2022, which is the highest ever financial aid in any crop season, according to a statement issued by the Chief Minister's Office.

The financial aid will be given to more than 8 lakh people, and the beneficiaries of Jharsuguda district will receive the assistance after the May 10 by-poll there.

Kendu leaf is a non-wood forest produce used for rolling ‘bidis'. Each kendu leaf plucker and those associated with the trade will receive financial assistance of Rs. 1,000, along with Rs. 200 and Rs. 160 for water bottles and sandals respectively.

Similarly, each regular and seasonal worker will receive Rs. 1,500 as financial assistance. The state government has been demanding the withdrawal of Goods and Services Tax on the collection of kendu leaf.

Odisha is the third-largest producer of kendu leaf, contributing 20% of the annual production in the country. At least 18 districts, including Bargarh, Balangir, Sundargarh, Angul, Deogarh, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Malkanagri, Nabarangpur, Koraput, and Sambalpur, have the maximum kendu leaf growing areas.

source-PTI

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