Bastar Turns a New Page: From the Shadow of Insurgency to the Promise of Inclusive Development-Vishnu Deo Sai

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai addresses the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly, outlining the government’s integrated strategy that combines security, rehabilitation and inclusive development to transform Bastar into a region of peace, opportunity and sustainable growth- Credit-primelookindia.com (File Photo) – Representational Image

Key Factors

• Bastar enters a new phase of peace after sustained anti-insurgency efforts.
• Rehabilitation policy encourages former insurgents to rejoin mainstream society.
• Bastar Roadmap 2.0 focuses on tourism, healthcare, education, livelihoods and infrastructure.
• Welfare saturation drive to benefit 39 lakh people in 5,542 villages.
• Over 34 lakh residents receive digital health profiling.
• 421 previously closed schools reopened; 36 new schools approved.
• 1.76 lakh PMAY houses sanctioned, plus 15,000 houses for affected families and surrendered cadres.
• Major infrastructure projects including the Jagdalpur–Rowghat Rail Project and Raipur–Visakhapatnam Expressway progressing.
• Skill development, sports and cultural initiatives engaging over four lakh participants across Bastar.

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai Credits Security Forces, Public Support and Rehabilitation Policy for Historic Progress

After decades of conflict that disrupted development, education, healthcare and everyday life across Bastar, Chhattisgarh is witnessing a decisive shift toward peace, stability and inclusive growth. Addressing the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said the state has entered a new era where security initiatives are being complemented by sustained development and growing public confidence.

The Chief Minister stated that the transformation is the result of coordinated efforts between the Central and State Governments, the courage of security forces, and the trust and cooperation extended by the people of Bastar. He described the progress as the outcome of a long-term strategy that combined security operations with governance, infrastructure development and community participation.

Paying tribute to personnel who lost their lives while combating Left-Wing Extremism, the Chief Minister said their sacrifice would continue to inspire the nation. He also acknowledged the dedication of the Central Armed Police Forces, Chhattisgarh Police, District Reserve Guard and other security agencies that played a vital role in restoring normalcy across the region.

The Chief Minister highlighted that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the Union Government adopted an integrated approach that balanced security measures with developmental initiatives in affected districts. He noted that continuous strategic reviews and coordinated action under the guidance of Union Home Minister Amit Shah significantly strengthened the anti-insurgency campaign.

According to the Chief Minister, the high-level meeting of Directors General of Police from Left-Wing Extremism-affected states held in Raipur on August 24, 2024, became a turning point in framing a time-bound action plan for eliminating insurgency while simultaneously accelerating development activities.

Emphasising that peace cannot be achieved through security operations alone, the Chief Minister said the State Government introduced a comprehensive rehabilitation policy to encourage those willing to abandon violence and return to mainstream society. The policy provides financial assistance, land, skill development, self-employment opportunities and long-term support, enabling many former insurgents to rebuild their lives with dignity.

He stressed that development has remained central to the government’s strategy. As security conditions improved, roads, schools, healthcare facilities, housing schemes and welfare programmes expanded into previously inaccessible areas, strengthening public confidence in governance.

Bastar Roadmap 2.0: Blueprint for Long-Term Growth

The Chief Minister announced that with security conditions improving, the government’s focus has shifted to the holistic development of Bastar through Bastar Roadmap 2.0, an integrated vision covering tourism, livelihood generation, education, healthcare and modern infrastructure.

He said the Niyad Nella Nar 2.0 and Bastar Munne Campaign are implementing 31 government schemes and 14 community service initiatives in saturation mode, aiming to benefit more than 39 lakh people across 5,542 villages.

Security camps are also being transformed into “Shaheed Gundadhur Seva Dera”, evolving into multi-purpose service centres that provide essential public services, welfare benefits and livelihood support closer to remote communities.

Healthcare, Welfare and Financial Inclusion

The Chief Minister informed the Assembly that under the Chief Minister Swasth Bastar Campaign, health screening of more than 34 lakh residents has been completed, with digital health profiles prepared to improve medical services.

He also highlighted the achievements under the Niyad Nella Nar Scheme, through which integrated implementation of 43 individual and community welfare programmes across 17 departments has reached 525 villages located within a 10-kilometre radius of security camps.

Government outreach has resulted in:

• 6.79 lakh ration cards issued.
• 17 lakh Jan Dhan bank accounts opened.
• 24.66 lakh Aadhaar cards generated.
• 22 lakh Ayushman Bharat cards distributed.
• 1.18 lakh individual forest rights titles granted.
• 3.89 lakh Kisan Credit Cards provided to farmers.

Education, Housing and Connectivity

The Chief Minister stated that 1.76 lakh houses have been sanctioned under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana in Bastar, along with 15,000 additional houses for families affected by insurgency and surrendered cadres.

Educational infrastructure has also improved considerably. Of the 458 schools that had previously ceased functioning in 240 insurgency-affected villages, 421 schools have resumed operations, while 36 new schools have been approved.

Major infrastructure projects continue to strengthen the region’s connectivity. Work on the ₹3,513 crore Jagdalpur–Rowghat Rail Project is progressing, air connectivity at Jagdalpur has expanded, and the Raipur–Visakhapatnam Expressway is nearing completion, promising to enhance trade, tourism and investment opportunities.

Empowering Youth Through Skills, Sports and Culture

Skill development centres are now operational in every development block of Bastar to improve employability among young people. The Chief Minister also highlighted the success of initiatives such as the Bastar Olympics and Bastar Pandum, which have attracted participation from more than four lakh people, strengthening cultural identity, social harmony and community engagement.

Recognising the contributions of Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma, Forest Minister Kedar Kashhap and Jagdalpur MLA Kiran Singh Deo, the Chief Minister said the government’s objective extends beyond infrastructure creation to ensuring lasting improvements in quality of life.

He concluded by stating that Bastar is steadily emerging as a region defined not by conflict, but by opportunity, confidence and sustainable development, supported by an integrated approach that combines security, welfare and economic growth.