Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik releases Rs 43 crore for kendu pluckers

BHUBANESWAR: Chief minister Naveen Patnaik on Sunday disbursed financial assistance of Rs 43 crore to kendu leaf pluckers in the state, four days after announcing the package with an eye on the December 5 Padampur bypoll.
Kendu leaf pluckers in Bargarh district, under which Padampur assembly constituency falls, will, however, receive the assistance after withdrawal of the model code of conduct after bypoll results are announced on December 8.
Saying that he feels happy if the poor are happy, Naveen reiterated his commitment for their welfare, a statement from the chief minister’s office said.
At a virtual function here, Naveen disbursed Rs 1,000 each to 7.5 lakh pluckers and Rs 1,500 each to 39 lakh binders and seasonal staff. The money was directly transferred to the accounts of beneficiaries in 12 districts — Nuapada, Kalahandi, Koraput, Nabarangpur, Angul, Sambalpur, Jharsuguda, Kandhamal, Boudh, Keonjhar, Deogarh and Balangir.
The disbursement of assistance came a day after Naveen wrote to Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman seeking withdrawal of 18% GST on kendu leaf. Naveen said the GST on kendu leaf was adversely affecting the livelihood of pluckers.
Naveen earlier announced that all kendu leaf pluckers and employees will be issued identity cards and included under Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana. Stipend will be given to the children of kendu leaf pluckers and other employees.