May 27th 2024.
According to a recent report, kendu leaf pluckers in the Bolangir district have raised concerns about the unfair distribution of bonuses. Not only that, but they also claim that they are not being provided with essential items such as umbrellas and slippers, which are necessary for protection against the harsh weather conditions and potential injuries and infections. In this district, many people rely on the collection of kendu leaves as their main source of income. They venture into the nearby forests, pluck the leaves, and then bring them back to sell to depots. Unfortunately, this year, they are facing the added challenge of bush cutting, which could potentially decrease their income if not properly managed.
Aside from these issues, kendu leaf pluckers are also expressing their dissatisfaction with other problems they have been facing. In the past, the Kendu Leaf Division used to provide umbrellas and slippers to the pluckers, but now they claim that this support has been discontinued. Additionally, some pluckers are unhappy with the bonuses they receive from the state government. They argue that they are not being fairly compensated for the extra leaves they collect, as they are paid the same rate as those who collect fewer leaves.
This issue is not limited to just the pluckers. Even kendu leaf checkers and Munshis have joined in expressing their grievances. They feel that they are not receiving any special assistance from the state government, and are struggling with the same problems as the pluckers. Currently, kendu leaf pluckers are paid Rs 1.60 per bundle, and each bundle contains 20 to 22 leaves. They then combine these bundles into larger bundles of 100, and officials keep a record of how many leaves each plucker has collected. This record is used to ensure that they receive the correct payment. The wages are now directly credited to their bank accounts by the state government.
While the pluckers appreciate the convenience of having their wages directly deposited, they are disappointed with the unequal distribution of bonuses and the lack of assistance such as umbrellas and slippers. They argue that they put their lives at risk every day, working under extreme heat and harsh weather conditions. They leave their homes early in the morning and return in the evening, often facing intense heat waves. In fact, it has become nearly impossible for them to work after 9 am due to the intense heat. Therefore, they are demanding immediate action from the state government to provide them with the necessary support and fulfill their demands.
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