KalingaTV News Network
Bhubaneswar: In what would gladden the hearts of kendu leaf pluckers, binders and seasonal workers, Odisha government on Thursday hiked the prices of kendu leaf by 25% per bundle. Hence a Kendu leaves bundle will be sold at 1 rupee instead of 80 paise.
The decision was taken during a Kendu leaf Development Board meeting at the State Secretariat here today. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik chaired the meeting.
Apart from increasing the Kendu leaves by 25% per bundle, the meeting also decided that the Kendu leaf pluckers will get 100% bonus while the binders and seasonal workers will get 20% bonus.
“The state government will give scholarship to the tribal students who will collect the kendu leaf and tribal girl will be given financial support for their marriage,” said sources.
“Around 8 lakh kendu leaf pluckers, binders and seasonal workers will get the benefit from today’s decision,” added the sources.