Odisha Kendu Leaf Workers Announce Statewide Agitation Over Unmet Demands
Sambalpur: In a significant development for labor rights in Odisha, workers organized under the banner of the Odisha Kendu Patra Karmachari Sangha have declared a statewide agitation set to commence on March 17. This decision comes as a direct response to what they describe as prolonged government inaction on a series of critical demands concerning wages, job security, and comprehensive welfare benefits.
Decades of Grievances Come to a Head
At a press conference held on Wednesday, Sanjit Mohanty, an adviser to the Sangha, articulated the deep-seated frustrations of the workforce. He emphasized that despite numerous appeals and representations, the long-pending grievances of kendu leaf pluckers, binders, and seasonal staff have consistently gone unaddressed by the authorities.
"Workers engaged in the vital task of kendu leaf collection continue to face severe hardships, including low remuneration, irregular payments, and a complete lack of adequate welfare support," Mohanty stated, highlighting the precarious conditions endured by these laborers.
Core Demands of the Agitation
The Sangha has outlined a comprehensive list of demands that form the basis of their planned protest. These include:
- Economic Justice: An immediate increase in the procurement price of kendu leaves to ensure fair compensation for the labor involved.
- Timely Payments: Guaranteed and regular wage disbursement to eliminate the uncertainty and financial instability faced by workers.
- Enhanced Benefits: A higher annual bonus and the implementation of robust social security measures, such as provident fund and pension schemes, to provide long-term security.
- Infrastructure and Operational Support: Improved facilities at ‘phadis’ (collection centres), the creation of permanent watcher posts to oversee operations, and the allocation of revolving funds through the Odisha Forest Development Corporation (OFDC) to ensure smooth and efficient functioning.
A Call to Action and a Stern Warning
Leaders of the Sangha have issued a clear warning to the government, stating that the agitation will be intensified if their demands are not met promptly. They have made a fervent appeal to kendu leaf workers across multiple districts in Odisha to join the protests and collectively assert their rights.
"This is not just a protest; it is a movement for dignity and justice. We call upon every worker to stand united and demand what is rightfully theirs," a Sangha representative added, underscoring the solidarity and determination driving this action.
The announcement marks a critical juncture in the ongoing struggle for labor rights in Odisha's kendu leaf industry, setting the stage for potential widespread unrest if a resolution is not swiftly reached.
