Odisha Chief Minister, Naveen Patnaik, has pledged substantial financial support to aid over 8 lakh kendu leaf pluckers and other individuals involved in this trade. In the third phase of the 2022 crop year, a 25% bonus will be given to 7.75 lakh kendu leaf pluckers, while a 5% incentive will be granted to 40,000 binders and temporary workers. The total sum allocated for this assistance amounts to Rs 56.23 crore.
During the first phase of the 2022 crop year, each kendu leaf plucker received Rs 1,000, and each binder and temporary worker received Rs 1,500, resulting in a total financial aid of Rs 83.34 crore. Similarly, in the second phase, kendu leaf pluckers were given Rs 1,000 each, along with Rs 200 for water bottles and Rs 160 for chappals. Binders and temporary workers received Rs 1,500 each during this period, bringing the total financial aid to Rs 111.21 crore.
Overall, the financial assistance provided to kendu leaf pluckers and binders for the 2022 crop year amounted to an impressive Rs 250.78 crore, setting a new record for a single crop year. Notably, the majority of beneficiaries belong to Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities, and this financial aid is expected to contribute significantly to improving their living standards.
Prasanta Patnaik