Malkangiri, Dec 4: The Kendu Leaf Forest Division has disbursed ₹2.9 crore as death assistance to the families of 145 kendu leaf pluckers and temporary workers from Malkangiri district. Each beneficiary family received Rs2 lakh.
The district-level distribution ceremony was held at the Malkangiri Zilla Parishad Conference Hall under the chairmanship of Jayapur Kendu Leaf DFO Uma Mahesh.
Malkangiri MLA Narsingha Madkami attended as the Chief Guest, while Zilla Parishad Chairperson Samari Tangulu, District Employment Officer Gupta Madhi, BJP District President Ashok Parida, and social worker Duryodhan Patra were present as Guests of Honour.
Speaking on the occasion, the dignitaries described kendu leaves as the “green diamonds” of the region, highlighting their crucial role in sustaining the livelihoods of thousands of tribal families. They noted that kendu leaf collection has helped many poor households achieve economic stability.
According to officials, the six kendu leaf ranges in Malkangiri employ nearly 60,000 pluckers. In the past four years, 145 workers—including 137 pluckers and 8 temporary staff—lost their lives. The Forest Division organised the special event to hand over the assistance to their families.
Families expressed gratitude to the Kendu Leaf Department for the timely support, which has brought much-needed relief.
