A crucial high-level review meeting, chaired by Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, focused on the overarching development strategy for the Bastar region, a persistent challenge due to Naxalism. The Chief Minister underscored that the fight against Naxalism has entered its final, decisive phase, a success he attributed to the leadership of Prime Minister Modi and Union Home Minister Shah, alongside the valor of security forces.
Sai articulated the government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that Naxalism’s violent ideology never resurfaces. This involves fostering stronger public trust in Bastar through continuous engagement, robust development projects, and improved access to basic infrastructure. The Chief Minister reiterated the ‘double-engine’ government’s pledge to achieve balanced and comprehensive growth for Bastar, integrating it fully into the national developmental narrative.
He announced plans for a three-year action roadmap for Bastar, to be implemented diligently. Sai also emphasized the need for inter-departmental coordination and mandated regular field visits by secretaries to monitor project implementation firsthand. This proactive approach aims to ensure that developmental initiatives translate into tangible benefits for the local populace.
The meeting took stock of the critical expansion of basic amenities – education, healthcare, employment opportunities, road connectivity, clean water, electricity, and telecommunications – necessary to extend the reach of development to the most remote areas and build governmental credibility. The Chief Minister cited the spontaneous public involvement in events like the Bastar Olympics and Bastar Pandum as strong indicators of the people’s desire for peace and progress.