Bhubaneswar, 14 July (H.S.): Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has approved a comprehensive welfare package for lakhs of kendu leaf collectors, binders and seasonal staff across the state. The package includes an increase in the procurement price of kendu leaves, bonus for collectors and incentive payments for binders and seasonal employees, with the State Government set to incur an expenditure of Rs 74.78 crore.

Under the Chief Minister's decision, the procurement price of a keri (bundle of 20 kendu leaves) in the processed area has been increased by 10 paise per bundle, while the price of a phal (bundle of 40 kendu leaves) has been raised by 20 paise per bundle. The State Government will spend Rs 10.78 crore towards implementing the revised procurement rates.

In addition, the Chief Minister has approved a 25 per cent bonus for kendu leaf collectors. He has also directed that 5 per cent incentive payments be provided to binders and seasonal staff engaged in kendu leaf operations. The government will allocate Rs 64 crore for these payments.

Overall, the Odisha Government will spend Rs 74.78 crore on the welfare measures, aimed at improving the livelihoods of lakhs of workers dependent on kendu leaf collection and processing. The initiative is expected to provide significant financial support to forest-dependent communities and reinforce the State Government's commitment to their socio-economic welfare.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda