It’s good news for Kendu leaf pluckers. The honourable Chief Minister of Odisha Naveen Patnaik has announced Rs 120 Crore bonus and other assistance for Kendu Leaf Pluckers. As per the reports, this bonus and other level assistance will help around 8 lakh kendu leaf pluckers, binders and other seasonal staff associated with it.
The state government has also decided to hike the collection price of kendu leaves. As a result, 7.50 lakh poor kendu leaf pluckers in the state can earn more than Rs 240 crore. Most of them are tribal women.
It is pertinent to mention that the state government is investing all the benefits of the trade surplus from the kendu leaf business for the welfare of pluckers, binders, and other seasonal staff.
