Odisha Government Disburses Rs 43 Crore to Leaf Pluckers, Binders and Seasonal Employees

The money was given out at a function as part of the state government's special package for the poor people engaged in kendu leaf trade. As a part of the package, Rs 1,000 was given to each kendu leaf plucker, and Rs 1,500 to each seasonal staff and binders in the first phase as an interim measure, an official statement said.

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik (Photo Credit: ANI)

Bhubaneswar, November 27: The Odisha government on Sunday disbursed assistance to the tune of Rs 43 crore to kendu leaf pluckers, binders and seasonal employees. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Saturday wrote to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, urging the Centre to withdraw 18 per cent GST on kendu leaf trade as it is linked to the livelihood of poor people. Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik Says State Government Spending Rs 70 Crore Monthly To Provide Cashless Health Service.

The money was given out at a function as part of the state government's special package for the poor people engaged in kendu leaf trade. As a part of the package, Rs 1,000 was given to each kendu leaf plucker, and Rs 1,500 to each seasonal staff and binders in the first phase as an interim measure, an official statement said.

Kendu leaf is used to wrap bidis, and is one of the significant forest produce on which about 8 lakh people have a right for their livelihood. Though the people of 12 districts got the assistance, those belonging to Baragarh will get it after the Model Code of Conduct imposed for the December 5 bypoll to Padampur assembly constituency is lifted, Patnaik said. Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik Inaugurates Happiest Minds Development Centre in Bhubaneswar.

The assistance was directly transferred to the bank accounts of the beneficiaries. "Happiness of the poor gives me joy. I have always been with the poor people and I will continue to endeavour for their welfare," Patnaik said.

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