Odisha government continues with 15 paise per kerry bonus for leaf pluckers

BHUBANESWAR: Odisha government has decided to continue provision of a bonus of 15 paise per kerry (comprising 40 leaves) to Kendu leaf pluckers like last year, an official release said here today.

This was decided at the second meeting of the Kendu Leaf Development Board at the secretariat here presided over by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.

"It was decided that the bonus will remain the same like last year," the release said.

Patnaik was also apprised of the steps being taken to reduce forest development tax on Kendu leaves to 2 per cent from the present 16 per cent.