Building a new Bastar

Paper: GS – III, Subject: Internal Security, Topic: Left-Wing Extremism, Issue: Transforming the Bastar region.

Context:

Bastar, a tribal heartland in Chhattisgarh is plagued by four decades of left-wing extremism. Government is focusing on eradication of extremism and mainstreaming the region through welfare programmes and security operations.

Key Highlights:

Government’s approach:

• Government Initiatives: Aim to eradicate long-standing extremism and integrate Bastar into the development mainstream.
• Strategy: Direct engagement with people and prompting localised solutions and need-based schemes.
• Leadership role: The Chief Minister has visited Bastar 77 times since assuming office in 2023 walking into villages, interacting with locals, and ensuring delivery of services at the doorstep.

Key Welfare Schemes:

• PM Awas Yojana: Over 50,000 homes built.
• Jal Jeevan Mission: Potable water to 1.2 lakh households.
• NITI Aayog’s Aspirational Districts Programme: Focused development in backward regions.
• The Naya Bastar Initiative: Modern villages with schools, roads, internet, and markets.

Socio-Economic Transformation in Bastar:

• Change in Atmosphere: Once dominated by gunpowder, now the air carries the fragrance of mahua flowers.
• Revival of Local Economy: Weekly markets (haats) are bustling with over 50 primary and 61 secondary schools reopened. Roads and markets are being revived post-extremism.
• Infrastructure Development: Banking Access is now enabled with the Indian Overseas Bank branch being setup in Jagargunda after decades.
• Drinking Water Access: Jal Jeevan Mission delivered clean tap water to 1.2 lakh households in Bastar region.
• Housing: Over 50,000 houses built under PM Awas Yojana.
• Cultural revival: Festivals and Sports such as Bastar Pandum and Bastar Olympics foster regional pride. Community involvement is increasing in events that celebrate tribal identity and unity.

Extremism Rehabilitation and Security:

Developmental Vision:

• Model for Inclusive Growth: Integration of tribals into mainstream economy leads through transparent governance and infrastructure-led transformation.
• Economic Empowerment: Focus is on skill training, employment schemes, and digital access. The emphasis on dignity, empowerment, and grassroots progress.

Conclusion:

As Government is committed to building a peaceful, developed, and dignified Bastar as it stands as a model of post-extremism development through inclusive governance.

https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/chhattisgarh-cm-vishnu-deo-sai-writes-building-a-new-bastar-10028616

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