Interacts with tendu leaf collectors, reviews livelihood conditions and welfare schemes*

*State government is reaching villages directly to understand people’s concerns firsthand: Shri Sai*

Raipur, / Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai on Thursday visited the tendu leaf collection centre at Patna under the Ramanujnagar Primary Minor Forest Produce Cooperative Society during his Surajpur tour and interacted with tendu leaf collectors. Sitting under a mahua tree, he held a chaupal with tendu leaf collectors and enquired about their livelihoods, working conditions and access to basic facilities. The tendu leaf collectors welcomed Chief Minister with a special garland made of tendu leaves and fruits. 

Praising the contribution of tendu leaf collectors, Shri Sai said communities linked to forest-based livelihoods form a strong pillar of the rural economy and their prosperity remains a priority for the government.

During the interaction, Chief Minister said the state government is reaching villages directly to understand people’s concerns firsthand. He also reviewed the status of ration distribution, drinking water supply, progress under the Jal Jeevan Mission, revenue-related matters, education facilities and disbursal of benefits under the Mahtari Vandan Yojana. Interacting with women beneficiaries, he discussed how the Mahtari Vandan Yojana is helping strengthen household finances and support children’s needs.

He further sought details about the income and working conditions of tendu leaf collectors and instructed officials to continue efforts for protecting the interests of people dependent on forest-based livelihoods. During the visit, he also distributed charan padukas among tendu leaf collectors to encourage them.

Meanwhile, the tendu leaf collection rate for 2026 has been fixed at Rs 5,500 per standard bag. Against the target of 50 standard bags at the Patna collection centre, 66.640 standard bags had already been collected till May 21, 2026. A total of 108 tendu leaf collectors are associated with the work, contributing significantly to the forest-based economy of the region. 

Women and Child Development Minister Smt. Laxmi Rajwade, MLA Shri Bhulan Singh Maravi and Forest Development Corporation Chairman Shri Ramsevak Paikra were also honoured by the tendu leaf collectors at the programme. A large number of tendu leaf collectors were present on the occasion.

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