Odisha Govt announces 100% Bonus for Kendu Leaf Pluckers

The Odisha Govenrment on Thursday announced 100 per cent bonus for the kendu leaf pluckers for the year 2016.

While attending the programmes in Boudh and Subarnpur districts, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik was announced it yesterday.

Reportedly, the bonus will benefit 8.5 lakh kendu leaf pluckers and will cost the state exchequer Rs 130 crore.

The State Government will provide Rs 4,000 to the temporary workers, peons and clerks to buy bicycles and will provide water bottles, specially designed clothes and caps for the Kendu leaf pluckers.

The Chief Minister also announced that Rs 6 lakh will be spent for construction of multipurpose shelter homes for people engaged in the kendu leaf trade.

Government has hiked price of a bunch consisting of 20 leaves from 70 paise to 80 paise from 2017.

Odisha Government will also increase the disability assistance for the temporary kendu leave pluckers from Rs 50,000 to Rs 1, 00,000, their medical assistance will be increased to Rs 2, 00,000 and they would also be provided Rs 25,000 for their daughter’s wedding.