Amit Shah Unveils Ambitious Development Roadmap for Bastar with December 2027 Deadline
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday presented a comprehensive, deadline-driven governance push for Chhattisgarh's Bastar region, directly linking its implementation to the elimination of Maoist violence. Addressing the concluding ceremony of the Bastar Pandum festival in Jagdalpur, Shah declared that the government is prepared to confront violence "weapon to weapon" if Maoists refuse to surrender, while simultaneously offering a "respectful" exit to those who lay down arms.
Niyad Nellanar: A Transformative Blueprint for Remote Villages
Projecting the Niyad Nellanar initiative as a transformative roadmap for welfare and governance, Shah laid out specific time-bound targets that would accelerate dramatically once Maoist violence ceases. He emphatically stated that all Bastar villages currently lacking electricity and digital connectivity would receive both essential services before December 2027, alongside more predictable delivery of fundamental amenities.
The comprehensive commitments announced include:
- Establishment of a post office or bank branch within every 5-kilometer radius
- Paddy procurement support at ₹3,100 per quintal for farmers
- Free distribution of 5 kg grain per tribal person every month
- Household support through gas cylinders and tap-water connections
- Strengthening of grassroots democratic institutions through elected representatives at panchayat, tehsil, and district panchayat levels
Economic Revival and Infrastructure Development Plans
Shah emphasized that the conclusion of Maoist violence would unlock significant economic and tourism potential for Bastar, which he noted is already emerging "as a brand." He highlighted numerous possibilities including adventure tourism, homestays, canopy walks, and glass bridges to attract visitors.
On the industrial front, Shah revealed that a new 118-acre industrial area is being developed specifically to generate employment opportunities for tribal youth. He also addressed critical irrigation deficits, noting Bastar's heavy dependence on rainfall, and announced plans for an Indravati river irrigation project.
This ambitious irrigation initiative aims to irrigate approximately 2.75 lakh hectares across villages in Bijapur, Sukma, and Dantewada districts while generating 120 MW of power, with an estimated investment of ₹3,600 crore.
Connectivity Projects and Skill Development Initiatives
Regarding infrastructure improvements, Shah referenced the Dallirajhara–Rowghat rail line project valued at ₹3,500 crore and mentioned that other substantial projects—including river-linking works—are actively being pursued. He further disclosed that more than 90,000 youth are currently receiving training in various skills to enhance their employability prospects.
Final Appeal to Maoist Cadres with Rehabilitation Assurance
Shah repeated his appeal to remaining Maoist cadres to surrender their weapons, assuring that the government would address their concerns with dignity. He confirmed having reviewed the latest rehabilitation package and found it exceptionally attractive, expressing particular concern for tribal girls still trapped in the insurgency's remnants.
"Let me make it clear, those who fire in tribal villages, burn schools, blow up mobile towers or plant IEDs will not be spared," Shah stated unequivocally. He sharpened the moral argument against improvised explosive devices by questioning why those who plant them ignore the devastating consequences for ordinary tribal civilians who often lose limbs or lives.
Visible Transformation and Security Operations
Reflecting on his visits to Bastar both before and after becoming home minister in 2019, Shah noted a visible shift in the region's atmosphere. "Now there is no curfew atmosphere. Children are seen playing," he observed, characterizing this as a major transformation for the area.
He highlighted that several schools that had remained closed for decades have been reopened, arguing that shutting educational institutions only created deprivation and illiteracy within tribal society. Shah expressed gratitude to personnel of the DRG, CRPF, ITBP, and BSF, describing operations against Maoists as a "decisive battle" that came at heavy cost including lives lost and permanent injuries.
Cultural Renaissance and National Recognition
Shah noted that President Droupadi Murmu's association with Bastar Pandum has elevated the festival's national standing. He announced that winners across twelve competition categories would receive the extraordinary opportunity to present their talents at Rashtrapati Bhavan and share a meal with the President.
Citing the festival's impressive footprint of 55,000 participants from seven districts, 1,885 gram panchayats, and 32 janpad headquarters, Shah characterized the public reclaiming of cultural spaces as a significant marker of Bastar's transition. The region has moved from an era dominated by mortars, gunfire, and IED blasts to mass participation in food, folk dance, theatre, attire, ornaments, crafts, regional literature, and forest-based knowledge.
Expressing confidence that Bastar would become Maoist-free within the stipulated timeline, Shah asserted that the development roadmap would progress much faster once violence completely ends, ushering in a new era of prosperity for the region.
