Revitalization of Rivers in India Draft Policy - Isha Guru Jaggi Vasudev

Revitalization of Rivers In India
Draft Policy Recommendation
Gram Sabhas. This was then published in major newspapers and was also
uploaded on the website of Chief Conservator Forests, Gadchiroli.
The Ttibal Development Corporation (TDC) provided Rs. 70,00,000 as an
advance to the Gram Sabhas from time to time. However, after the leaves
were plucked, dried and packed the TDC refused to pay Rs. 3500 per standard
bag being asked by the Gram Sabhas. With help from VNCS and KHOJ the
leaves were then sold in the open market at Rs 3600 to 3200 per standard
bag depending on the quality of leaves. Gram Sabhas of Dhamditola Unit in
Gondiya became the first few villages to return Rs. 28,00,000 advance that
they had received from the TDC, having covered all their costs and profits.
Based on the bundles of tendu leaves deposited by the pluckers and approved
by the checker/Phadi Munshi and representatives of Gram Sabhas, payments
for collection of tendu bundles were deposited in the bank account of
respective Gram Sabha of that center by the group of Gram Sabhas from their
main account. Gram Sabhas disbursed collection charges at Rs. 195 per 100
bundles (Rs. 1950 per standard bag) to the pluckers. Collectively the leaves
were sold for Rs.69,82,502 and Rs. 41,55,816 was paid to 1449 families as
collection charges. It was decided that the balance after deducting plucking
charges and management cost will also be paid to the plucker as bonus.
Accounts were audited by an external auditor. These audited statements were
presented in all the respective Gram Sabhas in front of individual families
involved in plucking. This is a great leap with respect to Gram Sabhas
empowering themselves both economically and politically by claiming their
right over the NTFP.
Source: Wasudeo Kulmethe and Rajesh Prasad, VNCS, Nagpur; cited in Maharashtra CFR-LA,
2017.
Annexures
509