The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Chhattisgarh is reinstating the Charan Paduka Yojana, a significant initiative for tendu leaf collectors in the state. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai is scheduled to officially launch the scheme by the end of June. This program aligns with the ‘Modi ki Guarantee’ promises made to the public by the central government.
The scheme, originally launched in 2005 by the previous BJP government under Chief Minister Dr. Raman Singh, was discontinued during the tenure of the Congress government. The BJP government has decided to revive it. Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap stated that the scheme aims to support and honor tendu leaf collectors.
Under the Charan Paduka Yojana, footwear (slippers) will be provided annually to workers involved in collecting tendu leaves. Initially, in 2005, this benefit was exclusively for male collectors, but in 2008, it was extended to include women.