Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi has announced a welfare package of Rs 74.78 crore for kendu leaf workers. Under this, breakers will get 25% bonus and binders-seasonal staff will get 5% incentive. CM also took stock of the preparations for Puri Rath Yatra.
Welfare package for Kendu Patta workers
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced a welfare package of Rs 74.78 crore for lakhs of people associated with the kendu leaf sector, including leaf pluckers, binders and seasonal workers.
According to a statement from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), ‘A welfare package for lakhs of Kendu leaf pluckers, pluckers and seasonal workers. This package includes an increase of 10 paise per ‘Keri’ (20 leaves) and 20 paise per ‘Phala’ (40 leaves), this price revision will cost the state Rs 10.78 crore.’
The Chief Minister also approved 25 percent bonus for Kendu leaf pluckers and five percent incentive for pluckers and seasonal employees. The Odisha government will spend Rs 64 crore on these benefits, taking the total financial outlay under the welfare package to Rs 74.78 crore.
Kendu leaf is an important forest produce and natural resource in Odisha and it plays an important role in the lives of the poor people of our state, especially the tribals. The kendu leaf trade generates employment of more than 100 lakh man-days during summer, when there is no agricultural work or any other significant wage earning opportunity. Kendu leaves are popularly called the ‘green gold’ of Odisha.
Review of preparations for Puri Rath Yatra
Meanwhile, in a separate development, CM Majhi reviewed the preparations for the annual Rath Yatra in Puri and directed officials to ensure elaborate security, smooth crowd management and seamless coordination between all departments for the festival.
Chairing a high-level review meeting, the Chief Minister stressed the need for effective communication, efficient inter-departmental coordination and fool-proof arrangements to facilitate devotees attending the world famous Rath Yatra.
Officials told the meeting that around 12,000 personnel of Odisha Police and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) will be deployed, led by 19 senior IPS officers, to oversee security and crowd management.
It was also informed in the review meeting that large scale infrastructure and public convenience measures have been taken. These include installation of 1,700 bio-toilets, eight temporary hospitals, 473 CCTV cameras, 65 LED display screens and 16 permanent telecom towers to ensure smooth movement, better surveillance and uninterrupted communication during the festival.
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