Bhubaneswar: Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik Saturday urged the union finance Nirmala Sitharaman to abolish GST on Tendu Leaves (Kendu Leaves).

Stating that over 8 lakh Tendu Leave Plukers earn their livelihood from collecting the minor forest product, Patnaik has stated that the present 18% GST on Tendu Leaves hits them hard. He has urged the FM to do away with the GST on Tendu Leave.