New Delhi: During the ongoing session of the Rajya Sabha, Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MP Dr Sasmit Patra on Monday raised a critical issue concerning the livelihoods of over 10 lakh people in Odisha, particularly tribal communities.
Through a special mention of urgent public importance, Dr Patra demanded the exemption of Goods and Services Tax (GST) on Kendu leaves, a matter that has been repeatedly brought to the attention of the central government.
Kendu leaves a minor forest produce, on which approximately 10 lakh people in Odisha, mainly tribal communities rely for their livelihood. Dr Patra emphasized that the right to harvest and sell Kendu leaves is protected under the Forest Rights Act (FRA), making it a legal source of income for these communities.
However, the imposition of an 18% GST on Kendu leaves by the central government has significantly impacted these tribal people.
The BJD has been persistent in its efforts to address this issue. On November 25, 2022, the former Chief Minister of Odisha Naveen Patnaik wrote to the central government requesting the abolition of GST on kendu leaves. During the 48th GST Council meeting held on December 17, 2022, the then Finance Minister of Odisha raised the same demand.
Despite BJD’s repeated appeals, Dr Patra lamented that the central government has not heeded the demands of tribals and the state of Odisha. The MP urged the central government to take immediate action to exempt Kendu leaves from GST entirely to protect the rights and livelihoods of thousands of tribal families in Odisha.
