By Bizodisha Bureau, Bhubaneswar, December 24, 2016 : Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Saturday launched the system to provide 100 percent bonus to kendu leaf pluckers here.

The bonus will benefit around 8.3 lakh kendu leaf pluckers. The bonus amount will be transferred to the bank account of the beneficiaries through on-ling banking system. The bonus will cost around Rs 130 crore to the state government.

Describing it as a historical step, the CM said that it would be a real homage to Biju Babu when the poor kendu leaf pluckers, to who he loved much, will get 100 per cent bonus.

The government had announced to provide 100 per cent bonus for the kendu leaf pluckers for 2016 in November. Patnaik had made the announcement while attending the different programmes held in Boudh and Sabarnapur districts last month.

The government will transfer the bonus money through online method to the bank account of the beneficiaries.