Rs 100 crore bonus for 'tendupatta' pluckers

Bhopal, Aug 1 (UNI) Madhya Pradesh Forest Minister Himmat Singh Kothari today announced in the Assembly that the government would provide a bonus of more than Rs 100 crore to 'tendupatta' pluckers this year.

Replying to a debate on the Madhya Pradesh Tendupatta Trade Regulation (Amendment) Bill, 2007, Mr Kothari said the government was concerned over upliftment of 'tendupatta' pluckers and has initiated necessary steps in this regard.

He said the government had distributed Rs 11.80 crore as bonus in 2004 as a part of new 'tendupatta' policy. Likewise, a bonus of Rs 13.23 crore and Rs 28.92 crore for 2005 and 2006 respectively would be distributed by September.

Mr Kothari said 'tendupatta' collection had increased as a result of the new policy and for the first time labourers had got wages for 33 days.

Initiating the debate, Mr Rajnarayan Singh (Congress) welcomed the amended Bill and pointed out that it will help in preventing atrocities against tribals.

Mr Harvansh Singh (Congress) welcomed the provision for abolishing divisional-level committees. He suggested that a state-level committee -- including members of SC and ST communities -- be formed for fixing price of forest produce.

After the minister's reply the bill was passed unanimously.

UNI