Detailing about the relaxation that the department is keen on, Chaudhary says that instead of cancelling the auction in case of fire, a thorough investigation will be launched. “The contract

will only be cancelled if the tendu contractor is found guilty of causing the fire,” he adds. Meanwhile, noted forest rights activist Mohan Hirabai Hiralal says the entire operation was

hogwash. “Gram sabhas can take up the tendu collection work even now if government provides a guarantee that the leaf collected will be purchased. Slackening the rules only shows lack of

political will to hold contractors accountable”.