BHUBANESWAR: In a fervent plea to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has reiterated his demand for the withdrawal of the burdensome 18 percent Goods and Services Tax (GST) imposed on kendu leaves.

Highlighting the significance of kendu leaves as a crucial source of income for approximately 800,000 pluckers, binders, and seasonal workers in Odisha, most of whom belong to tribal communities and endure extreme poverty, the Chief Minister emphasized the need for immediate action.

Under the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act of 2006, tribal individuals are entitled to collect and trade kendu leaves as a part of their inherent rights, securing their livelihoods and economic sustenance.

The imposition of an 18 percent GST on kendu (tendu) leaves has caused detrimental effects on the trade of this vital forest produce, affecting the livelihoods of the kendu leaf workers and impeding the implementation of crucial social security and welfare schemes designed to uplift their standard of living, as mentioned in the Chief Minister's letter.

Patnaik passionately appealed to the Chairperson of the GST Council, urging the immediate withdrawal of the imposed GST on kendu leaves, as it serves the greater interest and welfare of the state of Odisha.

This plea echoes the Chief Minister's previous letter to the Union Finance Minister in November 2022, while the state Finance Minister has persistently raised this issue before the GST Council on multiple occasions.

Moreover, in December last year, a delegation comprising members of the BJD met Sitharaman in New Delhi, further reinforcing the demand for the exemption of GST on kendu leaves.

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