New teendupatta collection initiative benefits 22 villages of Abujmad

The government of Chhattisgarh's new teendupatta collection policy has become a source of relief and employment for remote villages of Abujmad. In 2026, for the first time, collection centers were opened in previously inaccessible areas, allowing villagers to sell teendupatta near their own villages. Previously they had to travel long distances to sell. The nearby centers save time, labor and expense, and have created local jobs, increasing income and making work easier. The state set the price of teendupatta at 5,500 rupees per standard sack for 2026, boosting enthusiasm. Following a request from collectors, Forest Minister Mr. Kedar Kashyap ordered accelerated opening of new centers in Abujmad. The forest department completed formalities, obtained permission from the Chhattisgarh State Small Forest Produce Federation and started collection. Under this initiative, ten new teendupatta centers were established in Kalmnar, Okpar, Kutul, Nirameta, Kodkanar, Kanagav, Kaccapal, Tekanar, Banahker and Raynar, covering 22 villages. Through these centers, 365 collectors gathered 161.254 standard sacks of teendupatta. Collectors received a direct benefit transfer of Rs 8,86,897 directly into their bank accounts, increasing trust in the government. Villages such as Kalmnar, Pidka, Brehbeda, Kandari, Kishkal, Okpar, Kutul, Albeda, Nirameta, Kodkanar, Kanagav, Kaccapal, Tadokur, Tekanar, Nayapara, Maksoli, Hikpula, Banahker, Jhorigav, Rengabeda, Kokodi and Raynar benefited. The scheme is not limited to teendupatta collection but also aims to connect tribal and rural families in remote areas with local employment, better income and economic empowerment, offering a new hope for self-reliance and development in Abujmad.