TNI Bureau: Rajya Sabha MP Dr. Sasmit Patra has written to Union Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, seeking urgent policy intervention for the welfare and social security of kenduleaf pluckers and associated workers, particularly in Odisha and other producing states.

In his letter dated April 22, Patra highlighted systemic gaps in existing welfare mechanisms, noting that a large section of the workforce, estimated at over 12 lakh in Odisha alone, including unregistered workers—remains outside formal social security coverage. He cited representations from the Odisha Kendupatra Karmachari Sangha, which flagged declining incomes, inadequate healthcare access, and lack of institutional support.

The MP pointed out that the current Bidi Workers Welfare Scheme does not sufficiently cover seasonal kenduleaf workers. He also raised concerns over the non-functional status of district-level Bidi Task Force Committees, which earlier played a key role in monitoring and coordination.

Patra proposed a set of measures, including extending welfare schemes to explicitly include kenduleaf workers, exploring Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) coverage, reviving district-level institutional mechanisms, and launching a nationwide worker identification and registration drive. He also called for dedicated financial support and the formulation of a comprehensive national policy framework for forest-based workers.

Emphasising the need for inter-state coordination among kenduleaf-producing regions, Patra said addressing these issues would significantly strengthen livelihood security for a vulnerable workforce integral to the bidi value chain.

He urged the Union government to consider the recommendations seriously and initiate structured policy action at the earliest.