Bhopal, May 15: While reviewing the work of Tendu leaf collection at Sitadongri sale centre of Tamia development block in Chhindwara district, Forest and Tribal Welfare Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah informed Tendu leaf collectors that a scheme called 'Charan Paduka and Chhata Yojana' is proposed to be implemented for their benefit. He said that a new record would be set by distribution of bonus to Tendu leaf collectors in the months of June-July this year. Fourteen lakh Tendu leaf pluckers would be given bonus for the year 2007 to the tune of Rs 100 crore. The Forest Minister said that this has been possible due to effective management. He gave the information that this year payment is being made at the rate of Rs 550 per standard bag of Tendu leaves. Those present on the occasion included MLA Jhanaklal Thakur, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest VR Khare, managing director of Laghu Vanopaj Sangh RD Dave, president of District Vanopaj Samiti, Tendu leaf collectors and large number of villagers.

The Forest Minister said that integrated schemes have been launched under the guidance of Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan for the welfare and uplift of forest dwellers and Tendu leaf collectors. He informed that each of 14 lakh Tendu leaf collectors would be provided an umbrella during the ensuing monsoon season to save them from drenching while carrying collected leaves on their heads. The Forest Minister informed that the state government has proposed to start a 'Charan Paduka' scheme for Tendu leaf collectors so that they should get rid of the compulsion of walking barefooted.

Forest Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah exhorted the people present at the programme of Tendu leaf pluckers to undertake plantation of saplings for the benefit of coming generations as well as ensuring that tribal people live in pollution free atmosphere apart form getting their livelihood. He exhorted the Tendu leaf collectors to use less wood as fuel and purchase pressure cookers and LPG stove taking the advantage of 50 percent subsidy on these items. He informed that 10 percent reservation would be given to 12th pass girls in the recruitment of Nakedars. As many as 320 girls would be appointed as Nakedars in the wake of this decision of the state government. He informed that 20 and 30-seat hostels being run by Tribal Welfare Department would be upgraded to 50-seat hostels. He exhorted the Tendu leaf collectors to purchase pressure cooker, LPG and cycle on which 50 percent subsidy would be given to them.