Odisha govt announces Rs 74.78 cr welfare package for kendu leaf workers
Bhubaneswar, July 14
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced a welfare package worth Rs 74.78 crore for lakhs of people associated with the kendu leaf sector, including pluckers, binders and seasonal staff.
According to a statement by the Chief Minister's Office (CMO), "a welfare package for lakhs of kendu leaf pluckers, binders and seasonal staff. The package includes a 10-paise hike per 'kerry' (20 leaves) and a 20-paise hike per 'phala' (40 leaves), with the price revision costing the state Rs 10.78 crore."
The Chief Minister also approved a 25 per cent bonus for kendu leaf pluckers and a five per cent incentive for binders and seasonal staff. The Odisha government will spend Rs 64 crore on these benefits, taking the total financial outlay under the welfare package to Rs 74.78 crore.
Kendu leaves in Odisha are an important forest produce and natural resource and play a vital role in the lives of poor people, especially tribals of our state. KL trade employs during the lean summer by generating more than 100 lakh mandays annually, when there is no agricultural work or any other substantial wage-earning opportunity.
Kendu leaves are popularly known as "Green Gold" of Odisha.
Meanwhile, in a separate incident, CM Majhi reviewed preparations for the annual Rath Yatra in Puri and directed officials to ensure comprehensive security, smooth crowd management and seamless coordination among all departments for the festival.
Chairing a high-level review meeting, the Chief Minister stressed the need for effective communication, efficient inter-departmental coordination and foolproof arrangements to facilitate devotees expected to attend the world-famous Rath Yatra.
Officials informed the meeting that around 12,000 personnel from the Odisha Police and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), led by 19 senior IPS officers, will be deployed to oversee security and crowd management.
The review meeting also noted that extensive infrastructure and public convenience measures have been put in place. These include the installation of 1,700 bio-toilets, eight temporary hospitals, 473 CCTV cameras, 65 LED display screens and 16 permanent telecom towers to facilitate smooth movement, enhance surveillance and ensure uninterrupted communication during the festival.
— ANI
Reader Comments
The 'green gold' of Odisha is finally getting its due. But honestly, a 10 paise hike per 20 leaves? That's just 0.5 paise per leaf. The cost of living has gone up so much, this feels like a small token. However, the 25% bonus is significant if implemented properly. I'm cautiously optimistic but hope the government ensures middlemen don't swallow these benefits.
As someone who grew up seeing kendu leaf workers near Bhubaneswar, this is a step in the right direction. But the real question is about implementation and whether the seasonal staff will actually get the incentive. Also, glad to see the CM also reviewing Rath Yatra preparations - the 1,700 bio-toilets and 473 cameras sound good for crowd management.
Great move by Odisha government! The kendu leaf sector is the backbone of rural employment in many districts. With agricultural work scarce in summer, this provides a lifeline. The 10-20 paise hike per kerry/phala might seem small to us urban folks, but for a tribal family, it makes a big difference. Hope more states follow this model.
Happy for the kendu leaf workers but the timing feels a bit political - just before Rath Yatra. Still, the package is genuine and could help lakhs of families. Also, the Rath Yatra arrangements sound impressive: 12,000 security personnel, 65 LED screens, and 8 temporary hospitals. Let's hope the festival goes smoothly for all. 🛕
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