Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai interacts with beneficiaries, plants sapling under ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign
Forest-based livelihoods strengthen education, employment, women’s empowerment and social security
Raipur,As part of Sushasan Tihar, Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai visited Badekanera village in Kondagaon district and interacted with beneficiaries of various Forest Department schemes, witnessing firsthand how forest-based livelihoods are transforming rural lives. Meeting Tendu leaf collectors, women’s self-help groups, students and farmers, he said the government’s objective extends beyond implementing schemes to creating sustainable livelihoods, educational opportunities, economic security and self-reliance in villages.
Chief Minister first visited the home of Tendu leaf collector Smt. Vedbati Yadav, who had collected 3,720 bundles of Tendu leaves this season and earned Rs 20,460. Appreciating her efforts, Shri Sai said that forest-based livelihoods are emerging as a strong source of economic empowerment for rural families.
He also interacted with Smt. Vimla Bhoyar, a member of the Maa Sheetla Self-Help Group associated with the Van Dhan Vikas Kendra in Mardapal. She said that by processing 85 kg of Tikhur within a month, she earned nearly Rs 85,000. Earlier, forest produce had limited use, but value addition and processing have created new income opportunities. Shri Sai described this as a model of women-led entrepreneurship and self-reliance based on local resources. Beneficiaries welcomed the Chief Minister with traditional beverages made from ‘jamun’, mango and ‘Tikhur’.
Chief Minister also met Rajbati Mandavi, daughter of a Tendu leaf collector family, who received Rs 25,000 under the Tendu Leaf Beneficiary Scholarship Scheme for scoring over 75% marks in Class XII. Congratulating her, Shri Sai said forest-based welfare schemes are not only supporting livelihoods but also helping children pursue their dreams through education.
During the visit, Shri Sai reviewed the integrated farming model of farmer Shri Gautam Yadav, who combines maize cultivation with fish farming in a pond. Shri Yadav said benefits received under the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi and Krishi Unnati Yojana have helped increase his income. The Chief Minister noted that integrating agriculture, forestry and fisheries is an effective way to strengthen the rural economy.
The Chief Minister also planted a sapling under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign and urged people to make tree plantation a mass movement. He said trees not only protect the environment but also ensure security, prosperity and a better future for coming generations.
During the programme, beneficiaries received assistance under various Forest Department schemes. Under the Kisan Vriksh Mitra Yojana in Mardapal range, two farmers were provided 5,500 eucalyptus saplings. Students received scholarships of Rs 25,000 each under the Tendu Leaf Beneficiary Scholarship Scheme, while three beneficiaries were given a total of Rs 6.30 lakh under the Rajmohini Devi Tendu Leaf Collector Social Security Scheme.
In Badedongar range, farmers received 2,500 eucalyptus saplings under the Kisan Vriksh Mitra Yojana. A Tendu leaf collector received Rs 20,460 as payment, while students were awarded scholarships. The Kamela Forest Management Committee was also provided Rs 8.46 lakh as profit-sharing assistance. In Narangi range, a beneficiary received Rs 21,873.50 for Tendu leaf collection, while students were provided scholarships to support their education.
