State shifts to devpt mode with infra push, ‘Bastar 2.0’ takes shape

Raipur: With the shrinking footprint of Left-wing extremism, the Chhattisgarh government is preparing to fast-track development in tribal belts, outlining an expanded outreach strategy and a broader roadmap for welfare and infrastructure in remote regions.At a meeting of the tribal advisory council chaired by chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai, the state signalled a sharper push in Naxal-free areas. Sai said Bastar, once cut off from growth for decades, is now entering a new phase marked by rapid expansion of schemes and improved access to services.Key measures discussed included strengthening education and healthcare across 6,600 villages and sanctioning 32,000 houses under the PM JANMAN scheme. The government also announced plans to roll out "Niyad Nella Nar 2.0", aimed at scaling up access to electricity, drinking water, roads and ration delivery in far-flung areas.Alongside development, the council stressed cultural protection. Officials were directed to secure Devgudi and Sarna religious sites and act against encroachments, while a probe was ordered into long-term lease exploitation of tribal land. A proposal to include Korwa and Sansari Oraon communities in the Scheduled Tribe list will be sent to the Centre.The chief minister also pushed for improved hostel facilities, better teacher deployment and structured learning spaces for children in Naxal-free zones. Officials said the decline in Maoist influence has enabled faster delivery of welfare schemes, improved connectivity and greater integration of remote settlements into the development mainstream.