Tendu leaf collectors get employment, insurance, scholarship and social security benefits

Raipur: As directed by Forest and Climate Change Minister Shri Kedar Kashyap, the Forest Department is implementing several public welfare schemes for the social and economic development of forest-dependent families and tendu leaf collectors. With the message of "Forest is life, tendu leaves are employment," the Forest Department and the Minor Forest Produce Federation are providing employment, insurance coverage, education, and social assistance to families living in rural and forest areas. Divisional Forest Officer and Managing Director, Korea Forest Division, Baikunthpur, Mrs. Prabhakar Khalko, stated that the department's objective is not only to provide financial assistance to forest-dependent families, but also to provide them with education, security, and a respectable life. The Forest Department's schemes are bringing positive change to the lives of thousands of families.
Tendu leaf collection has become a major source of income
. The government has fixed the rate for tendu leaf collection at Rs. 5.50 per bundle for the year 2026. According to this, a payment of Rs. 550 per 100 bundles and Rs. 5550 per standard sack will be made. This is providing employment and financial support to thousands of families living in forest areas.
Economic Strengthening Through the Support Price of Minor Forest Produce:
Under the Minimum Support Price Scheme, various minor forest produce, including sal seed, mahua, tamarind, kodo, and mahua leaves, are being purchased at fixed rates. This ensures forest-dependent families receive fair prices for their produce and reduces their dependence on middlemen.
Social Security Through Insurance Schemes:
Under the Rajmohini Devi Insurance Scheme, tendu leaf collector families are provided insurance coverage. Assistance is provided in the event of natural death, accidental death, and disability. This provides financial support to families in times of need.
Furthermore, under the Group Insurance Scheme, other family members are also being provided with the benefit of assistance. This scheme is providing relief to economically weak families.
Scholarships for Children's Education:
Children from tendu leaf collector families are provided scholarships and incentives for their education. Students who excel in grades 10th and 12th receive incentives. Students pursuing vocational and non-vocational courses also receive financial assistance.
A special education incentive scheme is also in place for talented students, providing opportunities for advancement.
Relief from the Charan Paduka Scheme
: Tendu leaf collectors working in the forest area are also provided with Charan Padukas every year to provide them with convenience while working.
Assistance worth crores of rupees has been paid:
Under the Rajmohini Devi Insurance Scheme, assistance of Rs. 34.70 lakh has been disbursed to 33 beneficiaries in the district from April 2024 to October 2025. Under the Group Insurance Scheme, Rs. 2.16 lakh has been paid in 18 cases.
Under scholarship schemes, funds have also been directly transferred to students' bank accounts.