Chhattisgarh Revives Charan Paduka Scheme for Tendu Leaf Collectors
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Charan Paduka Scheme |
| State | Chhattisgarh |
| Objective | Provide footwear to tendu leaf collectors |
| Target Beneficiaries | 1.24 million tendu leaf collectors (families with members aged 18+) |
| Budget Allocation | ₹40 crore |
| Eligibility | Native residents of Chhattisgarh; up to two family members per household (originally only male members, extended to females in 2008) |
| Historical Context | Originally launched in November 2005, now revived |
| Key Economic Measure | Tendu leaf collection rate increased from ₹4,500 to ₹5,500 per standard sack |
| Tendu Leaves (NTFP) | - Botanical Name: Diospyros melanoxylon <br> - Uses: Bidi wrapping, medicinal applications (malaria, diarrhea, dysentery, antimicrobial properties) <br> - Major Producing States: Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, Gujarat, Maharashtra |
| Livelihood Significance | - Primary income source for tribal communities <br> - Part of Minor Forest Produce (MFP), which includes bamboo, gums, fruits, honey, etc. |