By Our Correspondent
NEW DELHI/BHUBANESWAR: The BJD MPs on Wednesday submitted a memorandum to Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman seeking withdrawal of GST on Kendu Leaf as demanded by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik repeatedly.
MPs including Pinaki Mishra, Dr Amar Patnaik, Dr Sasmit Patra, Dr Achyuta Samanta, Niranjan Bisi , Sulata Deo and others were among those in the delegation and submitted memorandum to Union FM Nirmala Sitharaman .
‘The withdrawal of GST on Kendu Leaf will strengthen the lives and livelihood of 8 Lakh kendu leaf pluckers, binders and seasonal workers of Odisha, mostly belonging to tribal community and poorest of the poor of the society and will also strengthen the intention of empowering tribal through Forest Rights Act 2006 and PESA Act 1996,’ the BJD Memorandum reads. “Imposition of GST (18%) on Kendu leaf is adversely affecting the Kendu leaf trade. It is urged upon to withdraw the GST on Kendu leaf for greater interest of Odisha,’ it added.
