Sambalpur, May 24 -- Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Saturday disbursed financial aid to empower Kendu (Tendu) leaf workers in Odisha's Sambalpur.

This programme was held at Sambalpur University Auditorium in Sambalpur district.

Speaking to reporters, the Union Minister and Sambhalpur MP stated that BJP's double-engine government is committed to working for people who are associated with forest produces.

"In Odisha, mainly in western Odisha, around 10 lakh Tendu leaf pluckers live. Along with this, more workers are involved in 'Beedi' production. They are associated with forest produce. The state government has always taken responsibility for them. They played a significant role in forming the BJP government, so, we are ...