Deregulation of Kendu Leaf in Kalahandi District, Odisha: Recent Advances and Challenges

Abstract

The deregulation of the collection and sale of kendu leaves by the government of Odisha in select villages of the Kalahandi district is a significant step to enable forest dwellers exercise their usufruct rights under the Forest Rights Act 2006. This article assesses the benefits of deregulation and the measures required to strengthen the process. The study was conducted in six villages of the Golamunda block of Kalahandi district. The study found that while the decision to deregulate the kendu leaf collection
is progressive, the government of Odisha needs to ensure that the initiative is not mired in institutionalised hegemony.

Keywords: deregulation, Gram Sabha, Forest Rights Act, minor forest produce, Forest Department

DOI: 10.32444/IJSW.2023.84.3.273-288