Bhubaneswar: Bringing cheers among the workers engaged in the kendu leaf trade in Odisha, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Monday approved the disbursement of bonus and incentives for lakhs of kendu leaf pluckers, binders, and seasonal staff.

As per the decision, the state government has also increased the procurement rates of kendu leaves. In the processing areas, the price of one “kerry” (bundle of 20 leaves) has been raised by 10 paise, while the price of one “phala” (bundle of 40 leaves) has been increased by 20 paise. The hike will entail an additional expenditure of ₹10.78 crore for the state exchequer.

The Chief Minister has further approved a 25 per cent bonus for kendu leaf pluckers. In addition, binders and seasonal staff will receive a 5 per cent incentive.

The state government will incur an expenditure of ₹64 crore towards bonus and incentives.

In total, the government will spend ₹74.78 crore on these welfare measures, providing significant financial support to the workers.