TFP Bureau, Raipur, January 2, 2025: Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai today highlighted Bastar’s revival as a region celebrated for its natural beauty, rich tribal culture, and peaceful environment. Addressing a gathering at the PG College Hostel Ground in Jagdalpur during the inauguration and foundation stone-laying ceremony of development works, he emphasized that Bastar’s original identity is once again being recognized both in India and globally.
Notably, the United Nations Tourism Organization has named Dhudmaras village as one of the 20 best tourist villages in the world, a testament to the region’s growing recognition. CM Sai inaugurated and performed bhoomi pujan for 288 development projects totaling Rs 356 crore 44 lakh. The event also saw the distribution of over Rs 1 crore 55 lakh in cheques and materials to beneficiaries under various state schemes.
State Government’s Commitment to Bastar’s Development
CM Sai affirmed that the state government is fully dedicated to Bastar’s progress, ensuring the provision of essential services and resources tailored to the region’s needs. “We are committed to developing Bastar with confidence and are successfully delivering on promises made to the people,” said Shri Sai, highlighting that most of the commitments, including those under “Modi’s guarantee,” had been fulfilled within the first year of the government’s tenure.
On housing, he mentioned the approval of 15,000 Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana houses for sensitive areas of Bastar. “Prime Minister Modi had guaranteed 18 lakh PM housing, and within two days of our government assuming office, we began the process of providing housing to the homeless. These houses are under construction, and families are also receiving their griha pravesh,” he said.
CM Sai also spoke about the Niyyad Nella Nar Yojana, aimed at developing Naxal-affected and backward areas through 53 welfare schemes from 17 government departments, improving 28 community facilities in villages close to security camps.
Promoting Education and Modern Facilities
Under the new National Education Policy, education is being provided in 18 local languages in state schools, including Halbi and Gondi in Bastar. The government has also announced plans to offer MBBS courses in Hindi medium. Furthermore, under the PM Shri School Yojana, modern education is being introduced in 341 schools. CM Sai reaffirmed that development is ongoing, with Rs 7,000 crore allocated for urban development across the state in the past year.
Rs 50 Crore Allocation for Drinking Water Supply in Bastar
Deputy Chief Minister Shri Arun Sao, during the event, announced a Rs 50 crore fund for providing clean drinking water to every household in Nagar Panchayat Bastar under the Amrit Mission Yojana. Forest and Cooperation Minister Shri Kedar Kashyap praised the collaborative efforts of the central and state governments, calling it a “double-engine government” that is accelerating development.
The ceremony was also addressed by Revenue Minister Shri Tankaram Verma, Jagdalpur MLA Shri Kiran Singh Dev, Bastar MP Shri Mahesh Kashyap, and other dignitaries, including public representatives from Kanker Lok Sabha constituency. A large number of villagers attended the event, marking a significant step toward Bastar’s continued development.
