CM Sai to Launch Statewide ‘Charan Paduka Yojana’ on June 21
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Raipur, June 18
Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai will launch the statewide ‘Charan Paduka Yojana’ on June 21 during a grand program organized in Tapkara, Jashpur district. On this occasion, the Chief Minister will distribute Charan Padukas (footwear) to women from tendu leaf collector families. With this, another commitment made by the Chhattisgarh government to the tendu leaf collectors will be fulfilled.
It is worth noting that the Chhattisgarh government had promised in its manifesto to revive the Charan Paduka Yojana, which had been discontinued by the previous government. The reinstatement of this scheme by the sensitive current administration marks an important step toward ensuring dignity and convenience for the tendu leaf collector families. The government has sanctioned ₹40 crore for its implementation. The scheme will directly benefit 12.4 lakh women from tendu leaf collector families across the state, who will receive footwear free of cost.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said, “Our government’s priority has always been to ensure justice and support to the last person in the line. Tendu leaf collector families make an invaluable contribution to the state’s economy and forest-based livelihoods. The Charan Paduka Yojana is a promise from our manifesto, and we are now fulfilling it. This is not just about distributing footwear — it is a symbol of dignity, respect, and safety for these families.”
The launch of the Charan Paduka scheme reflects the Chhattisgarh government’s commitment to recognizing the needs, honor, and dignity of tendu leaf collector families. The initiative aims not only to respect the women from these families but also to provide comfort and protection as they work in difficult geographic conditions.
₹745 Crore Worth of Tendu Leaf Procured
Tendu leaf collection for this season in Chhattisgarh began in the third week of April and has now been successfully completed. The collection was carried out at 10,631 centers across 902 primary minor forest produce cooperative societies. Despite adverse weather conditions like untimely rain, storms, and hail, over 11.40 lakh tendu leaf collector families managed to collect and sell 13.54 lakh standard bags of tendu leaves, amounting to a total purchase value of ₹745 crore.
This amount is being paid directly into the collectors’ bank accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system. So far, over ₹300 crore has already been transferred, and the process for disbursing the remaining amount is ongoing.