From contractors to tribal collectives: Tendu leaves 'fueling' self-reliance

By Rajkumar Sinha* 

Several Gram Sabhas have taken independent decisions regarding the collection, storage, and sale of tendu leaves. With the role of middlemen diminishing, the wage benefits are now reaching tribal families directly. This is a constructive example of economic self-reliance.

Forests, agriculture, and minor forest produce form the mainstay of tribal families' livelihoods. For a long time, contractors held a monopoly over forest produce like tendu leaves and mahua. In this context, the "Gaon Rajya Maha Gram Sabha" in Baihar, Balaghat, has been undertaking tendu leaf collection and marketing for the past several years.

As in previous years, this time too, 23 Gram Sabhas across 12 panchayats of Janpad Panchayat Baihar, Balaghat, have passed proposals for tendu leaf collection and marketing and submitted them to the forest range office. On December 16 last year, the Executive Officer of Janpad Panchayat Baihar informed the Chief Executive Officer that proposals for tendu leaf collection and marketing in 2026 have come from villages under the provisions of paragraph 26(4) of the PESA Rules 2022. Section 26(4) of the PESA Rules stipulates that tendu leaf collection and marketing shall be done through the Madhya Pradesh State Minor Forest Produce Federation.

Mansharam Mandavi, district panchayat member from Balaghat, said that tendu leaf collection work is currently underway in the notified Gram Sabhas of Birsa and Paraswada in Balaghat district, Madhya Pradesh.

On the other hand, Harendra Masram, chairman of the Forest Standing Committee of Janpad Panchayat Mandla, informed that on December 15, 2025, the Gram Sabhas of Mandla's western and eastern general forest divisions passed proposals regarding tendu leaf collection and distribution. These proposals were approved by Janpad Panchayat Mandla and forwarded to the concerned department. A total of 32 proposals were submitted, of which only 12 were accepted, while 20 were rejected. The Gram Sabhas or PESA committees have not been informed of the reasons for rejecting the 20 proposals. A complaint has been filed with the Collector of Mandla regarding this matter, demanding an impartial inquiry.

Meanwhile, Sadhana Raut, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Delhi, had issued directives on July 12, 2012, to all state chief secretaries for the implementation of the Forest Rights Act. Regarding tendu leaf collection and marketing, it stated that the monopoly of forest corporations over the trade of minor forest produce, especially valuable produce like tendu leaves, in many states is contrary to the spirit of this Act and must be abolished. State governments should not only play a supportive role in granting unhindered rights over minor forest produce to Scheduled Tribes and other forest dwellers living in forests but also assist in securing the minimum support price for minor forest produce.

In Chhindwara district of Madhya Pradesh, seven Gram Sabhas across five village panchayats under Tamia Janpad Panchayat collectively decided to undertake tendu leaf collection and marketing. This decision became a powerful example of exercising rights under the PESA law. Chhindwara, with its green and rich forests, is a major tribal area of Madhya Pradesh.

In 2022, the Gram Sabhas of Pratapgarh and Chargaoan village panchayats in Tamia development block resolved to undertake community-based tendu leaf collection and marketing under the PESA law. The Gram Sabha planned to pass the proposal before December 15, in accordance with Rules 25 and 26 of the PESA Rules 2022. However, as soon as the local forest beat guard came to know of this, he misled some villagers by claiming that the Gram Sabha could not do this work, that no bonus would be given if they did, and that contractors could cause losses.

When the matter of tendu leaf collection came up in village discussions, they were explained in detail that this work falls under the Gram Sabha's authority, and the marketing bonus would also be distributed to everyone only through the collective consent of the Gram Sabha. A Gram Sabha meeting was scheduled for the next day. Upon hearing this, the beat guard again tried to mislead the villagers, but by then the people had become aware.

At the Gram Sabha meeting, the secretary read out the proposal. The villagers expressed happiness but raised concerns about bonus distribution. The village head (Gram Pradhan) clarified that after deducting the wage amount, the remaining funds would go into the Gram Sabha's fund account, from which the bonus would be distributed equitably. The surplus would remain in the Gram Sabha fund, to be used as decided collectively by all villagers. The proposal was passed unanimously. The application and proposal were sent to the forest department and were approved and received by the Gram Sabha within 15–20 days.

This initiative not only provided employment to villagers but also fostered collective decision-making, transparency, and a sense of self-reliance. This model has now become an inspiration for surrounding villages. With the unity of the Gram Sabha and the strength of the PESA law, new doors of economic stability and prosperity have opened in the lives of villagers. More than 122 villagers received wages of ₹1,20,000. After sales, a surplus of ₹1,52,300 remained in the Gram Sabha fund. The Gram Sabha decided that 50% of this amount would be given as a bonus to the collectors.

This initiative not only provided employment to villagers but also developed a spirit of collective decision-making, transparency, and self-reliance. This model has also become an inspiration for nearby villages. The unity of the Gram Sabha and the power of the PESA law have opened new doors to economic stability and prosperity in the lives of villagers.

In other words, when Gram Sabhas, aware of their constitutional rights, make decisions collectively and in an organised manner, they can not only establish control over their natural resources but also become economically empowered. The participation of Gram Sabhas in tendu leaf collection and marketing has limited the role of middlemen, ensuring that the real benefits reach tribal families directly. This initiative is not just a means of livelihood but a powerful example of democratic self-governance, transparency, and community solidarity. The effective implementation of the PESA law is establishing new dimensions of self-reliance, social empowerment, and sustainable development in tribal areas, presenting an inspiring model for the future.

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*Bargi Dam Displaced & Affected Federation