Introduction Charan Paduka Yojana is a welfare scheme launched for tendu leaf collector families engaged in the minor forest produce sector. The initiative aims to provide free footwear assistance to eligible collectors and improve their working conditions during forest-based livelihood activities. The scheme is implemented through the Chhattisgarh State Minor Forest Produce (Trading & Development) Co-operative Federation Ltd. in coordination with Primary Forest Produce Cooperative Societies. Eligible families are identified through official tendu leaf collection records maintained by the societies. Originally introduced in 2006-07, the scheme benefited lakhs of tendu leaf collectors across the state. After remaining inactive for a period, it was revived by the Chhattisgarh Government in 2025 with a dedicated budget allocation to extend support to forest-dependent families. Benefits are provided without requiring any separate application process. Eligibility is determined based on tendu leaf collection performance recorded by the concerned cooperative societies. The scheme continues to support genuine tendu leaf gatherers by ensuring that eligible families receive footwear assistance through an organized distribution system. Benefits Free Charan Paduka (footwear) is provided to eligible tendu leaf collector families. Supports forest workers engaged in tendu leaf collection activities. Reduces the financial burden of purchasing footwear for eligible families. Implemented through cooperative societies for transparent beneficiary identification. Revived by the Chhattisgarh Government in 2025 with dedicated financial support. More than 12 lakh tendu leaf collector families have benefited under the revived scheme. Helps improve safety and comfort during forest-based work. Targets genuine collectors based on verified tendu leaf collection records. Eligibility The beneficiary family must belong to Chhattisgarh. The family should be registered with a Primary Forest Produce Cooperative Society. The family must be engaged in tendu leaf collection activities. A minimum collection of 500 gaddies of tendu leaves in at least one of the previous two years is required. Only eligible families identified through official society records can receive the benefit. Benefits are provided to the member category notified by the government for the respective year. Only one member from an eligible family is generally covered under the scheme. Documents No separate application documents are required from beneficiaries. Tendu leaf collection records maintained by the concerned cooperative society are used for eligibility verification. Additional details may be verified through society records wherever necessary. Process to Apply No online or offline application form is required under the scheme. Primary Forest Produce Cooperative Societies maintain tendu leaf collection records. Eligible collector families are identified based on official collection data. The minimum collection requirement is verified through society records. Approved beneficiary lists are prepared by the concerned authorities. Footwear procurement is carried out by the implementing agency. Charan Paduka is distributed through cooperative societies and designated distribution centres. Eligible beneficiaries receive the footwear benefit free of cost. Important Links and Contact Charan Paduka Yojana Details Chhattisgarh State Minor Forest Produce Federation Portal Contact Details Helpline Number: 0771-2513100 Email: mfpfed.cg@nic.in Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Q1. What is Chhattisgarh Charan Paduka Yojana?It is a welfare scheme that provides free footwear assistance to eligible tendu leaf collector families in Chhattisgarh. Q2. Who implements the scheme?The scheme is implemented by the Chhattisgarh State Minor Forest Produce (Trading & Development) Co-operative Federation Ltd. Q3. Who can receive benefits under the scheme?Eligible tendu leaf collector families associated with Primary Forest Produce Cooperative Societies can receive the benefit. Q4. Is any application required?No. Beneficiaries are identified through official tendu leaf collection records. Q5. What is the minimum collection requirement?The family must have collected at least 500 gaddies of tendu leaves in one of the previous two years. Q6. How many family members can receive the benefit?Generally, one eligible member from each qualifying family receives the footwear assistance. Q7. Are any documents required for application?No separate documents or application forms are prescribed for beneficiaries. Q8. When was the scheme revived?The Chhattisgarh Government relaunched the scheme in 2025 to support tendu leaf collectors. Q9. Is the benefit provided in cash?No. Eligible beneficiaries receive footwear directly under the scheme. Q10. Where can beneficiaries get more information?Beneficiaries can contact their Primary Forest Produce Cooperative Society or the Chhattisgarh State Minor Forest Produce Federation.