Telangana government gives nod for Beedi Leaf Season

State government has accorded permission to Principal Chief Conservator of Forests R Shobha for implementation of Beedi Leaf Scheme in 30 districts and 37 divisions in the State during Beedi Leaf Season 2021, at a cost of Rs 58.79 crore.

The government also said the financial powers (cheque drawing powers) to forest officers at various levels that were fixed in 2001 for implementation of Beedi Leaf scheme would continue for Beedi Leaf Season, 2021.

Further, the government also permitted Telangana State Forest Development Corporation Limited to raise necessary loan from consortium of banks, without Government



Guarantee to meet the total expenditure required for the schemes, with a condition that debt and interest would be serviced by the Corporation. Orders to this effect were issued on Tuesday.

The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests had submitted proposals to the State government for implementation of the Beedi Leaf Scheme, 2021 with an outlay of Rs 59.79 crore. This includes collection of anticipated 243 Beedi leaf units and a total target of 2,41,700 bags. She had also requested for continuation of financial powers to the forest officers during the Beedi Leaf Season, 2021.