TFP Bureau, Raipur, May 26, 2025: Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai virtually inaugurated a new branch of Chhattisgarh Gramin Bank in Pamed, a remote village in Bijapur district previously known as a Maoist stronghold. The CM called this development a powerful symbol of Bastar’s journey from extremism to empowerment, saying, “This land once feared as the base of Maoist Battalion No. 1 is today witnessing the rise of banks, hostels, and hope. This is the new Bastar — confident, connected, and committed to change.”
The new bank branch will serve over 50 surrounding villages, ending the need for villagers to travel nearly 100 kilometers to Avapalli for basic banking transactions. The facility will enable account openings, withdrawals under welfare schemes like the Mahatari Vandan Yojana, and smooth access to government subsidies.
This initiative is part of the state government’s flagship Sushasan Tihar program, aimed at delivering effective governance and essential services to the most remote areas.
From Delhi, CM Sai emphasized the symbolic importance of the bank’s launch: “This is not just a bank opening. It represents the state’s commitment to the stability and welfare of the people — not through force, but through trust, services, and development.”
Alongside the bank, the Chief Minister also inaugurated a 50-seater tribal girls’ hostel built at a cost of ₹1.62 crore to enhance educational opportunities for young women in the region. Additionally, a Nutrition Rehabilitation Centre (NRC) was opened to tackle child malnutrition in nearby tribal communities.
Infrastructure improvements are central to Pamed’s ongoing development. The under-construction Dharmavaram Bridge over the Talperu River will cut a 200-kilometer detour through Telangana, improving connectivity to the district headquarters. A direct bus service between Pamed and Bijapur has also been launched to boost mobility and local trade.
The inauguration ceremony saw the presence of hundreds of local residents and officials including former minister Mahesh Gagda, Zila Panchayat President Janki Korsa, Collector Sambit Mishra, and SP Dr. Jitendra Kumar Yadav. A ‘Samadhan Shivir’ public grievance camp was held simultaneously to address citizen concerns, reinforcing the government’s focus on responsive governance.
CM Sai concluded the event with a strong message: “By March 2026, we aim to completely eradicate Maoist influence. What once symbolized fear will now stand for hope, development, and democracy.”
