In a move to aid tendu leaf collectors, the Chhattisgarh government, led by the BJP, is reintroducing the Charan Paduka Yojana. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai will inaugurate the scheme at the end of June. The initiative is part of the ‘Modi ki Guarantee’ commitments made to the people of the state.
Previously launched in 2005 by the government under Dr. Raman Singh, the scheme was later discontinued by the Congress. With the return of the BJP government, the program is being revived, as confirmed by Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap. The scheme intends to provide support and respect to tendu leaf collectors.
The Charan Paduka Yojana focuses on providing essential footwear, specifically slippers, to tendu leaf collectors annually. Initially, the scheme benefited only male collectors, but it was expanded to include women in 2008.