TFP Bureau, Raipur, September 12, 2025: Chief Secretary to Chief Minister Shri Subodh Kumar Singh today chaired a comprehensive review meeting on development works in the Naxal-affected districts of Chhattisgarh at Mantralaya Mahanadi Bhawan. The meeting, attended by senior officials of key departments along with Collectors and Superintendents of Police of 10 districts, focused on accelerating the delivery of welfare schemes, strengthening infrastructure, and ensuring inclusive growth in Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected areas.
Review of Flagship Schemes in Bastar Division and Beyond
The review covered districts including Bastar, Sukma, South Bastar Dantewada, North Bastar Kanker, Narayanpur, Kondagaon, Bijapur, Mohla-Manpur-Ambagadh Chowki, and Gariaband. Shri Singh emphasized that welfare schemes must not remain limited to statistics but must bring tangible change to the lives of people in some of the most remote and conflict-affected regions.
Detailed assessments were carried out on programs such as MNREGA, Ayushman Bharat, Ujjwala Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Gramin Sadak Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi, Aadhaar enrollment, ration card distribution under PDS, and housing schemes.
It was informed that Aadhaar registration in LWE-affected districts has crossed 99 percent, ensuring stronger integration of citizens with government services. Around 28.18 lakh farmers have been registered under PM Kisan Samman Nidhi and are receiving regular installments. Similarly, 26.21 lakh Jan Dhan accounts have been opened, linking marginalized communities with formal banking systems. Under Ayushman Bharat, over 35.66 lakh beneficiaries have received free treatment for serious ailments, reducing health burdens on vulnerable families.
Strengthening Infrastructure and Connectivity
Officials highlighted ongoing initiatives to enhance connectivity and service delivery in remote areas. Mobile towers are being installed in rural and forested belts to improve communication, while new branches of banks and post offices are being opened to expand financial access. Ration cards have been distributed widely to ensure regular supply of food grains under the Public Distribution System, directly benefitting thousands of households.
The review also took stock of the progress under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. Shri Singh directed that construction of all approved houses must be expedited, with special priority given to providing secure housing for surrendered Naxalites as part of their rehabilitation.
Directions for Expanding Welfare Coverage
The Chief Secretary issued clear instructions to district administrations. All eligible beneficiaries under MNREGA must be provided job cards to guarantee employment opportunities. Surveys for Mahtari Vandan Yojana beneficiaries are to be completed at the earliest so that no eligible woman is left out. He also stressed the need for vocational training for surrendered Naxalites under the Skill Development Scheme, ensuring they are trained in trades relevant to local economic needs, thereby improving reintegration outcomes.
Education infrastructure was another key focus area. Shri Singh directed that primary and secondary schools without proper buildings must be constructed on priority, and efforts should be made to develop integrated campuses where primary and secondary schools function together. This, he said, would not only improve access but also enhance the quality of education in remote districts.
Coordinated Approach for Security and Development
The meeting underscored that development and security must go hand in hand in Naxal-affected districts. A coordinated approach between administrative departments, law enforcement agencies, and local representatives was deemed essential to build trust and accelerate progress.
Senior officials who attended the review included Secretary to the Chief Minister Rahul Bhagat, Finance Secretary Mukesh Bansal, Education Secretary Siddharth Komal Pardeshi, PWD Secretary Dr. Kamalpreet Singh, Higher Education and Skill Development Secretary Dr. S. Bharathi Dasan, Labour Secretary Himshikhar Gupta, and Joint Secretary to the CM Dr. Ravi Mittal. The meeting was also joined via video conference by Bastar Division Commissioner, Inspector General of Police Bastar Range, and the Collectors and SPs of the affected districts.
Commitment to Inclusive Growth
Concluding the meeting, Shri Subodh Kumar Singh emphasized that the government is committed to bridging the development gap in conflict-hit regions by ensuring that every welfare scheme reaches the last mile. “Development is the most powerful weapon against extremism. By providing education, healthcare, livelihood, and infrastructure to our people, we will ensure lasting peace and prosperity in these districts,” he stated.
The review reinforced the state government’s strategy of coupling welfare delivery with rehabilitation and empowerment programs, aiming to transform some of the most challenging regions of Chhattisgarh into zones of growth and stability.
