C'garh govt hikes 'tendu' leaf collection rate

The Chhattisgarh government has hiked thecollection rate of 'tendu' leaves from Rs 1,200 to Rs 1,500 per standard bag to ensure benefit to 13.76 lakh families engaged in the collecting work.
"Tendu patta (tendu leaves) is an integral part of the life of forest dwellers and a important means of earning livelihood for lakhs of families," a government spokesperson said here today.
Therefore, the government decided to increase the collection rate from Rs 1,200 to Rs 1,500 per standard bag, he said.
Nearly 13.76 lakh families engaged in tendu leaves collection as members of primary forest produce cooperative societies will get advantage of the decision, he said.

Besides, the honorarium of manager of Primary Minor Forest Produce Societies has been hiked from Rs 8,500 to Rs 10,000, he said.
The collection season of the leaves starts from April and lasts till May end.

Last year, around 13 lakh standard bags of tendu leaves were collected, he said.
The state government also distributes free flip-flop footwear to tendu leaves labourers for their safety.
Tendu leaves plucked from its shrubs are primarily used to wrap 'bidis' - the poor man's cigarette.