The man-days for bush cutting of Kendu leaf were reduced in Balangir Kendu leaf division in 2015.
“Initially 73,000 man-days were allocated for bush cutting and rectification work to the ranges of the Balangir Kl division in 2015. However, after bush cutting work, a revised 70,000 man-days were received from higher authorities and the same was communicated to all the divisions. Since the target was reduced, the rectification work which is done after7-10 days of bush cutting could not be carried out in the field. The shortfall in target was not only in this division but in all other divisions of the State,” said DFO (Kl) PK Sahu.
Meanwhile, according to information provided to one Ashok Rout under RTI Act by DFO Kendu leaf office here, in 2015 a total of 73,000 labourers were engaged in eight ranges namely Balangir, Chudapali, Dunguripali, Tarva, loisingha, Khaliapali, Singhbahali, and Binkia and they were supposed to get payment of `1,25,92,500. Information revealed that a total of `1,20,75,00 was spent towards bush cutting in Balangir division alone.