Sambalpur: Workers under the banner of Odisha Kendu Patra Karmachari Sangha on Wednesday announced a statewide agitation from March 17, alleging prolonged govt inaction on key demands like wages, job security and welfare benefits.At a press conference, sangha adviser Sanjit Mohanty said that despite repeated appeals, long-pending grievances of pluckers, binders and seasonal staff remain unaddressed. “Workers engaged in kendu leaf collection continue to get low remuneration, irregular payments and inadequate welfare support,” he said.Their demands include an increase in the procurement price of kendu leaves, timely wage disbursement and a higher annual bonus. The organisation also called for implementation of social security measures such as provident fund and pension. Among other demands are improved facilities at ‘phadis’ (collection centres), creation of permanent watcher posts and allocation of revolving funds through the OFDC to ensure smooth operations. Sangha leaders warned that the agitation would be intensified if their demands were not fulfilled. They have appealed to kendu leaf workers across multiple districts to join the protests and “assert their rights”.
