Chhattisgarh’s BJP government is set to revive the Charan Paduka Yojana, offering significant support to tendu leaf collectors. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai will officially launch the scheme by the end of June. The program is a component of the ‘Modi ki Guarantee’ commitments made to the state’s citizens.
The scheme was first introduced in 2005 by the government led by Dr. Raman Singh but was discontinued during the Congress government’s tenure. The BJP government is now bringing it back, as stated by Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap, with the goal of supporting and honoring tendu leaf collectors.
The Charan Paduka Yojana aims to provide footwear (slippers) annually to tendu leaf collectors, with a specific focus on protecting and supporting tribal communities engaged in this work. Initially, only male collectors were provided with footwear in 2005, but in 2008, the scheme was expanded to include female collectors.