Bhopal, Dec 1: The work of distribution of incentive money to Tendu leaf collectors in Madhya Pradesh is continuing on the war-footing. So far nearly Rs 11 crore incentive money has been distributed. In all, 15 lakh families of Tendu leaf collectors are to get Rs 41 crore as incentive labour charges. Giving this information Forest Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah said that war-footing efforts are also going on the distribution of rest of the incentive money. This process would be completed in the next few days. He said that Rs 13.23 crore incentive money for the year 2005 and Rs 27.41 crore for the year 2006 is to be distributed.

Kunwar Vijay Shah said that Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has taken personal interest in connection with distribution of Tendu leaf bonus during his term in office. This has been the reason that the incentive labour charge of the year 2004 has been raised to 60 per cent from 50 per cent of the net income. In addition, the Tendu leaf collection rate has been increased Rs 50 per standard bag during the year 2007. Lakhs of tribal families are getting benefit in the wake of these sensitive decisions taken by the Chief Minister.

The Forest Minister said that the present state government has increased the incentive labour charges to 60 per cent of the total income from the earlier 50 per cent. In all 16.82 lakh standard bags of Tendu leaf were collected in the year 2005 and 17.97 lakh and in the year 2006. The incentive money is being distributed from the net income received after the sale of these Tendu leaf bags. He further informed that 60 per cent of the net income received from the trade of Tendu leaves during 2005 and 2006 is being distributed in cash. The Forest Minister said that with a view to ensuring transparency constant information is being given to the concerned Ministers in-charge of the districts, local MLA, District Panchayat chief and people's representatives about the distribution work and they are also taking part enthusiastically in the distribution programmes being held at the district headquarters.

He informed that the incentive money received by the Tendu lead collectors depends on the quantity and quality of Tendu leaves collected by them. This incentive money is proving to be a boon for the farmers as with it they can purchase hybrid seeds, fertilisers and insecticides on a limited scale.

It may be mentioned that Chief Minister Shivraj Singh had started distribution of incentive money to Tendu lead collectors from Damua village in Chhinwara district. Since then this work is continuing uninterruptedly. Forest Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah has himself visited several places to inspect the work of distribution.

In the wake of the Forest Minister showing personal and keen interest in this process, the Forest Department staff is also carrying out their duty with alertness and alacrity. The Forest Minister has so far taken part in incentive money distribution programmes at Chhindwara, Khandwa, Rajgarh, Sagar, Chhatarpur, Panna and Dhar districts.