In the current season, nearly 7 lakh 42 thousand standard sacks of tendupatta have been collected against the target of 16 lakh 71 thousand standard sacks, according to an official statistics.
As the state government decided to expedite the collection of the tendu leaves, commonly used as a wrapper for beedi, Chief Secretary Forest CK Khetan reviewed the collection work on Tuesday.
Khetan also gave instruction to the forest officials to ensure regular monitoring of the collection work and timely wage payment to the collectors.
Additional Chief Secretary directed the officials to be alert and strictly keep a check on illegal transport of tendupatta from neighbouring states.
In the review meeting, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest informed that in the current season of tendupatta collection, total amount of Rs 700 crores is to be paid as wages to the labourers engaged. Funds for this have already been arranged.
He informed that Rs 375 crores have been transferred to District Unions for payment towards tendupatta collector families.
In the district unions of Dantewada, South Kondagaon, Keshkal and Narayanpur, 100% target for tendupatta collection has been achieved. In Bastar 75% of the target has been achieved, Gariaband achieved 78% target and in Bijapur 70% of the target has been achieved. Remaining collection work is expected to be completed within 15-20 days.
