In a significant announcement made on **October 4, 2026**, Chief Minister **Mohan Yadav** declared that more than **21 lakh tendu leaf collectors** in Madhya Pradesh will receive a **combined bonus exceeding ₹139 crore**. This announcement was part of a broader initiative during a **training-cum-awareness programme and bonus distribution event** aimed at supporting Primary Forest Produce Cooperative Societies held in **Mandla district** [1].

During the event, CM Yadav facilitated the direct transfer of **₹36.17 crore** as the **2024 bonus** to **904,126 tendu leaf collectors** across eight forest divisions, namely **East and West Mandla, North and South Seoni, North and South Balaghat, Dindori, and Jabalpur**. Additionally, a **timber dividend of ₹26.56 lakh** was distributed to around **40,000 members of 84 forest committees** in Mandla [1].

The event also served as a platform for broader development initiatives, with Yadav announcing **74 development projects** worth approximately **₹460 crore** for the Mandla district. Among these projects, there are plans to establish **government colleges in Mohgaon and Ghughri**, a **tiger safari zoo**, and initiatives to revive **betel cultivation**. These project announcements highlight the government's commitment to enhancing local infrastructure and agriculture [1].

The reported bonus and projects align with earlier government initiatives regarding the distribution of bonuses for tendu leaf collectors. A **July 2026** report stated that the Madhya Pradesh government intended to distribute a total of ₹139 crore in bonuses for the **2024 collection year**, corroborating the financial figures released at the event [2].

Furthermore, historical reports from the press release indicated that bonuses for tendu leaf collectives have been a recurring feature of Madhya Pradesh’s forest produce system, indicating the importance of the tendu leaf industry in supporting local economies and livelihoods. Tendu leaf collectors are recognized as a crucial beneficiary group, highlighting the state’s involvement in forest management and community welfare [2].

Overall, the recent announcement by CM Mohan Yadav marks a significant investment aimed at boosting the livelihoods of tens of thousands of individuals involved in the tendu foliage harvesting industry, while simultaneously committing to developmental projects that could enhance local economies in Mandla district [1].

Sources

Researched and edited with AI assistance.

Featured image: AI-generated representative image.