TNI Bureau: The Odisha government has approved a ₹74.78 crore welfare package for kendu leaf workers, including pluckers, binders and seasonal staff. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi approved the package on Monday, which includes a hike in kendu leaf prices as well as bonus and incentive payments.

Under the decision, the price of a bundle of 20 kendu leaves has been increased by 10 paise, while the price of a bundle of 40 leaves has been raised by 20 paise. The state government will spend ₹10.78 crore on the price revision.

The government has also approved a 25 per cent bonus for kendu leaf pluckers. In addition, binders and seasonal staff will receive a 5 per cent incentive. A total of ₹64 crore will be spent on these benefits.

The package is aimed at improving the welfare and livelihoods of lakhs of workers associated with the kendu leaf sector across Odisha.