Bhubaneswar, July 14 -- Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced a welfare package worth Rs 74.78 crore for lakhs of people associated with the kendu leaf sector, including pluckers, binders and seasonal staff.

According to a statement by the Chief Minister's Office (CMO), "a welfare package for lakhs of kendu leaf pluckers, binders and seasonal staff. The package includes a 10-paise hike per 'kerry' (20 leaves) and a 20-paise hike per 'phala' (40 leaves), with the price revision costing the state Rs 10.78 crore."

The Chief Minister also approved a 25 per cent bonus for kendu leaf pluckers and a five per cent incentive for binders and seasonal staff. The Odisha government will spend Rs 64 crore on these benefits, taking the to...