Chhattisgarh Govt to Relaunch Charan Paduka Scheme for Tendu Leaf Collectors on Saturday
Raipur, 21 June 2025
The Chhattisgarh government will relaunch the statewide Charan Paduka Distribution Scheme from Tapkara in Jashpur district on 21 June. This initiative aims to provide footwear to women from tendu leaf collector families, fulfilling a key promise made by the Chhattisgarh government.
The scheme, which had been discontinued by the previous administration, is being reintroduced with an approved budget of ₹40 crore. It is expected to directly benefit 12.4 lakh women from tendu leaf collector families across the state, who will receive free footwear.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai stated that ensuring justice and convenience for the last person in line has always been the government’s priority. He acknowledged the contribution of tendu leaf collector families to the state’s economy and forest-based livelihoods.
“The Charan Paduka Scheme is a promise from our manifesto that we are now fulfilling. This is not just a distribution of footwear; it is a symbol of dignity and safety for the collector families,” he said.
The launch of the scheme seeks to honour women collectors and ensure their comfort while working in challenging geographical conditions.
🟢 Scheme History
The Charan Paduka Scheme was originally launched in 2005 by the then Chief Minister Raman Singh.
- In 2008, women were included in the scheme.
- From 2013, men received shoes while women received slippers.
- The scheme was discontinued in 2019 by the Congress government.
🌿 Tendu Leaf Collection Drive 2025
This year’s tendu leaf collection drive, which began in the third week of April, has concluded successfully despite challenges like untimely rain, storms, and hail.
- Over 11.40 lakh tendu leaf collector families participated.
- 13.54 lakh standard sacks of tendu leaves were collected at 10,631 collection centres, managed by 902 primary minor forest produce cooperative societies.
- The total purchase value of tendu leaves is ₹745 crore.
- Over ₹300 crore has already been transferred to collectors’ bank accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system.
🔁 Symbol of ‘Modi ki Guarantee’
The scheme, discontinued by the previous Congress government, was a key assurance in the BJP’s ‘Modi ki Guarantee’ manifesto. The relaunch aims to provide dignity and convenience to tendu leaf collectors, especially women, who play a significant role in the state’s forest-based economy.
📸 Modi’s Charan Paduka Moment
On 14 April 2018, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had personally distributed Charan Padukas in Jangla (Bijapur district), where he helped a tribal woman, Rani Bai, wear slippers. Former Chief Minister Dr. Raman Singh was also present during the event.
