Bhubaneswar, 11/1 (AO Bureau) Chief Minister Shri Naveen Patnaik today announced a bonus and other assistance of Rs 92.37 crore for Kendu leaf workers and other employees, of which Rs 59.78crore is a bonus. The Chief Minister made the announcement today at the Kendrapatra (Kendu leaf) Welfare Board.
The board has sanctioned Rs 92.37 crore this year for bonuses, other assistance, and infrastructure development for the welfare of Kendu leaf workers, bonded laborers, and temporary workers.
Poor people are usually employed in the collection, binding, and processing of Kendu leaf. The state government has always made efforts for their welfare. The state government has taken a landmark decision in 2014 to take advantage of the Kendu leaf business. It has benefited 7,54, 631 Kendu leaf workers, 18,223 bonded laborers, and 16,533 temporary workers. In the 2020 crop year, Rs 250 crore has been paid directly to the beneficiaries’ bank accounts through DBT.
The meeting was attended by Minister for Forests and Environment and Parliamentary Affairs Shri Vikram Keshari Arukh, Minister for Steel and Mines and Public Works Shri Prafulla Kumar Mallick who gave their views. Chief Forest Conservator Shri Prabhakar Behera Secretary, Forest, and Environment Dr. Mona Sharma delivered the welcome address; among others, Chief Secretary Shri Suresh Mohapatra, Chief Minister’s Secretary (5T) Shri V.K. Pandian and senior officials from the Department of Forests and Environment also attended the programme.