MP CM Mohan Yadav announces to increase honorarium of minor forest produce managers

Sheopur (Madhya Pradesh) [India], August 22 : Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has announced to increase the honorarium of the managers of minor forest produce committees from Rs 13,000 a month to Rs 14,000 for those managing up to 500 bags, Rs 15,000 for those collecting 500 to 2000 bags and Rs 16,000 for those overseeing collections of over 2,000 bags a month.
CM Yadav announced while addressing tendu leaf collectors during the bonus distribution programme held at Karahal in Sheopur district on Thursday.
He distributed a bonus of Rs 115 crore as a dividend for their collection of tendu leaves for the year 2023 to 30 lakh tendu leaf collectors in the state.
Additionally, the chief minister dedicated and performed bhoomi-pujan of development works worth Rs 37.67 crore, which include the dedication of Rs 21.28 crore in development works and laying foundations worth Rs 16.39 crore. He also distributed scholarships to students belonging to the Scheduled Tribe category on the occasion.
Addressing the program, CM Yadav said, "The state government will spare no effort in advancing the development and welfare of Scheduled Tribes. Currently, about 50 per cent of tendu patta collectors belong to the Scheduled Tribe category, relying on minor forest produce for their livelihoods. To improve their situation, the government is committed to maximising benefits from forest resources. The compensation for tendu leaf collectors has significantly increased from Rs 750 per standard bag in 2007 to Rs 4,000 per standard bag today."
"Additionally, a bonus of Rs 953 per standard bag is being distributed to 13 lakh families among the 30 lakh tendu leaf collectors in the state, with over Rs 2 crore in bonuses allocated solely to the Gwalior circle. The net profit for tendu leaf collectors has risen from 50 per cent to 75 per cent. The honorarium for forest produce committee managers has also been revised: from Rs 13,000 to Rs 14,000 for those managing up to 500 bags, Rs 15,000 for those collecting 500 to 2000 bags and Rs 16,000 for those overseeing collections of over 2,000 bags per month," he added.
Furthermore, CM Yadav announced that families of committee managers would receive compassionate appointments on the death of the manager during service and a gratuity of Rs 1 lakh.
On retirement of managers, a gratuity amount of Rs 1 lakh will also be provided. The provision of compassionate appointment and gratuity amount will be applicable from July 31, 2024.
CM Yadav also emphasised that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, both the country and the state were witnessing significant development. The state approved a budget of Rs 3.5 lakh crore for the current fiscal year, with plans to double it to Rs 7 lakh crore over the next five years. The goal is to elevate both the country and the state to the top position.
The Chief Minister highlighted the rapid increase in employment opportunities due to the state's push for industrialisation.
"Investor meetings are being held in every division, and recently, investments totalling approximately Rs 1.5 lakh crore have been approved. Efforts are also underway to boost food processing industries and advance cow breeding and conservation initiatives. The government plans to offer subsidies to cattle breeders with more than 10 cows and will provide bonuses to milk producers. Additionally, a Bovine Centre Kendra will be established in the Karahal area, renowned for its Gir cows," CM said.
CM Yadav also approved various demands put forward by Forest and Environment Minister Shri Ramniwas Rawat for the development of the area. He said that soon Sheopur would get into a medical college and it would be dedicated. He also announced the construction of Shabari Mata temple in Sheopur and the building of Nagar Panchayat Karahal would also be constructed soon.