What this scheme offers
For tribal forest dwellers whose daily work and travel means walking barefoot across forest terrain, thorns, cuts and the infections that follow aren't occasional risks — they're a routine hazard of ordinary life. Charan Paduka Yojana addresses that directly with free footwear, first introduced in November 2005 under the Raman Singh government and expanded in 2008 to include sandals for women based on their stated preference over shoes. The scheme's history is itself a small case study in how welfare programmes can become political footballs: discontinued during the Congress government's 2018-2023 tenure, and officially relaunched by CM Vishnu Deo Sai on 29 June 2025 from Jamgaon in Durg district as a fulfilled 'Modi Ki Guarantee' promise — the CM has specifically cited its earlier discontinuation as an example of 'insensitive' Congress governance.
Who is eligible
- Tribal forest dweller resident in Chhattisgarh.
- Primary occupation or daily life involving forest terrain travel.
- Meets the specific eligibility criteria set by the Tribal Welfare Department for the current distribution phase.
Documents required
- Aadhaar card
- Tribal (ST) certificate
- Residential proof
How to apply
- Watch for distribution camps organised by the Tribal Welfare Department in your area, as this is typically distributed through organised camps rather than individual online applications.
- Bring your Aadhaar card and tribal certificate to the distribution point.
- Women can indicate a preference for sandals over shoes, per the scheme's 2008 expansion.
- Contact your local Tribal Welfare office if a distribution camp hasn't reached your village yet.
- No cost is charged for the footwear provided under the scheme.