The State Government availed a record amount of Rs540.45 crore from Kendu leaf sale during crop year 2015. It has been decided to provide bonus and additional bonus to 7,93,577 Kendu leaf collectors out of this amount.
Environment and Forest Minister Bikram Keshari Aukh said this in the State Assembly while replying to a question of BJD MlA Mahesh Sahoo and supplementary questions put by a host of other members.
The Minister informed that a total of 3,75,665.36 quintal Kendu leaves had been produced and 3,74,941.86 quintals sold during the year. A total of Rs62 crore would be given to Kendu leaf collectors towards bonus and additional bonus this year.
Besides, it has been decided to give one-time incentive of 10 of the monthly wages to all the 18,158 seasonal staffs d19,338 binders during the year. From this current year, a Kendu leaf Development Fund would begin to work.
He further informed that a total of Rs48 crore has been allocated for developmental works in the Kendu leaf divisions. Permanent Padi houses, range offices, residential quarters, Kendu leaf go-downs, toilets and tube wells will be under taken, the Minister added.