Koraput: To safeguard interests of Kendu leaf pluckers and enhance transparency in procurement operations, the Malkangiri district administration has made direct benefit transfer (DBT) mandatory for all panchayat purchasers engaged in kendu leaf procurement.The decision was taken at a recent coordination meeting between the forest department’s kendu leaf division and the district administration, chaired by Malkangiri collector Prathamesh Arvind Rajeshirke.The meeting was attended by senior officials of the forest department, district administration and all block development officers (BDOs) of the district. The meeting reviewed various operational aspects of kendu leaf procurement, with special emphasis on the implementation of the DBT system, monitoring of private purchasers and prevention of revenue losses.Officials noted that direct transfer of payments to the bank accounts of pluckers would ensure transparency, facilitate timely payments and eliminate the role of middlemen. The collector iterated that protecting the financial interests of tribal kendu leaf collectors remains a priority for the administration.The forest department is committed to ensuring that every kendu leaf plucker receives timely and full payment. “The mandatory adoption of DBT will bring greater transparency and accountability to the procurement process while protecting the rights of tribal collectors,” said Uma Mahesh, divisional forest o(DFO), kenduleaf, Jeypore division.The meeting also highlighted concerns over unauthorised transportation of Kendu leaves.
