Chief Minister Reaches Among Tendupatta Collectors, Holds Chaupal Under Mahua Tree

Chief Minister Mr. Vishnu Deo Sai engaged in a heartfelt dialogue with tendupatta collectors, listening to their problems. Boosted collectors' morale by distributing Charanspaduka: Inquired about ration, drinking water, education, and Mahtari Vandan Yojana. Raipur, May 21, 2026/During his visit to Surajpur, Chief Minister Mr. Vishnu Deo Sai inspected the tendupatta collection center at Patna, under the Ramanujnagar Primary Forest Produce Cooperative Society, and had a heartfelt dialogue with the tendupatta collectors. Chief Minister Mr. Sai reviewed the tendupatta collection work, inquired about the problems, livelihoods, and basic facilities of the collectors, and instructed the officials to work with sensitivity to improve the standard of living of families associated with the forest-based economy. Upon the arrival of Chief Minister Mr. Vishnu Deo Sai, the tendupatta collectors gave him a warm welcome and honored him with a special garland made of tendupatta and tendu fruits. Ministers Mrs. Lakshmi Rajwade, MLA Mr. Bhulan Singh Maravi, and Chairman of Forest Development Corporation Mr. Ramsevak Paikra were also honored on this occasion. Appreciating the labor and contribution of the collectors, the Chief Minister said that people associated with forest-based livelihoods are an important strength of the rural economy, and bringing prosperity to their lives is the government's priority. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai held a chaupal (gathering) under the shade of a Mahua tree and directly interacted with the collectors, stating that the government itself is reaching villages to know the well-being of the people. He inquired about the ration distribution system, availability of drinking water, progress of Jal Jeevan Mission, revenue cases, education system, and receipt of funds under the Mahtari Vandan Yojana. Chief Minister Mr. Sai discussed the utilization of funds received under the Mahtari Vandan Yojana with the women, and obtained information about its positive use in strengthening the family's economy and meeting the needs of the children. The Chief Minister also gathered information about the income and working conditions of the tendupatta collectors and directed the officials to ensure continuous efforts for the protection of the interests of people associated with forest-based livelihoods and the improvement of their living standards. During this, the Chief Minister also encouraged the collectors by distributing Charanspaduka. It is noteworthy that the rate for tendupatta collection in the year 2026 has been set at Rs 5,500 per standard bag. While the target for collection at the Patna center was 50 standard bags, more than the target, 66.640 standard bags of tendupatta have been collected by May 21, 2026. A total of 108 collectors are actively involved in this work, playing a significant role in strengthening the forest-based economy of the region. Local public representatives Mr. Murali Manohar Soni, Mr. Bhimsen Agarwal, Mr. Babulal Agarwal, administrative officials, and a large number of tendupatta collectors were present on this occasion.