Raipur, Aug 14 (NationPress) The government of Chhattisgarh held the Sanskriti Guarav Maha Sammelan on Thursday in Dharamajaygarh to honor the late Dilip Singh Judev. During the event at Dussehra Maidan, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, along with his Cabinet members and notable community leaders, commemorated the death anniversary of Judev, recognizing his legacy as a respected public servant and a dedicated advocate for Indian culture, religion, and ethical values.

“Judev was celebrated for his dedication to public service, notably leading the Ghar Wapsi initiative, which helped millions reconnect with their cultural heritage. His courageous opposition to cow slaughter and religious conversion earned him respect from diverse communities. His modesty, visionary leadership, and principled lifestyle endeared him to many,” CM Vishnu Deo Sai remarked, adding: “This Sammelan serves as a reminder of his lasting impact and the principles he upheld throughout his life.”

Dilip Singh Judev was a prominent politician and served as the former Minister of State for Environment and Forests under Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's BJP-led National Democratic Alliance.

He is credited with initiating Ghar Wapsi, a program aimed at facilitating religious conversions to Hinduism from Islam, Christianity, and other faiths in India, organized by various Hindu nationalist groups.

Several events were organized for this occasion.

In a meaningful gesture of respect and support, the Chief Minister presented Charan Padukas—a pair of flip-flops—to Rashi Bai Rathia, a tendu leaf collector from Kodwaripara in Dharamjaygarh. This highlighted the grassroots impact of the Charan Paduka Yojana.

This footwear distribution scheme aims to enhance the working conditions of tendu leaf collectors throughout the state.

Originally launched in November 2005, the Charan Paduka scheme was halted by the previous government.

The current administration, under Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, has revived it with renewed determination, allocating Rs 40 crore to assist over 1.24 million tendu leaf collectors.

Each eligible household in Chhattisgarh will receive one pair of footwear annually for up to two adult members involved in the collection of tendu leaves.

Initially available only to male beneficiaries, the scheme was expanded in 2008 to include women. The Chief Minister emphasized that this initiative is not just a welfare measure but a tribute to the dignity, sacrifice, and labor of forest-dependent communities.

“This is more than just a scheme—it symbolizes our respect and sensitivity towards those who work in the forests. Our tendu leaf collector brothers and sisters will no longer suffer from thorns underfoot,” he stated.

Tendu leaves, often referred to as “green gold,” are crucial non-timber forest products primarily used in the bidi rolling cottage industry. The collection of these leaves is essential for the seasonal income of tribal families across central India.

In recognition of their contributions, the government has also increased the tendu leaf collection rate from ₹4,500 to ₹5,500 per standard sack, further enhancing forest-based livelihoods.