Bastar's Anti-Naxal Camps Transformed into Service Centres
JAGDALPUR: With Left-wing extremism (LWE) effectively neutralized, the security forces' camps established in the remote Bastar region for anti-Naxal operations are being repurposed. These camps will now serve the local population by delivering a range of government benefits directly to their doorsteps, including Aadhaar and ration card generation, banking, and healthcare services.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday inaugurated the transformation journey from security to development. The initiative aims to facilitate Chhattisgarh's remote tribal communities, who have been denied access to administration and government schemes for nearly five decades due to Maoist violence. The first 'seva dera' (service centre), named after freedom fighter Shaheed Veer Gundadhur, was launched at Netanar village. Gundadhur, a native of Netanar, fought against British rule in the early 20th century.
Shah announced, "I promise that within the next one and a half years, 70 such public service camps (jan suvidha kendras) will be functional in Bastar." He added that these camps would provide benefits under 371 government schemes. Shah emphasized that Naxalism would truly end only after the harm and damage inflicted on locals over five decades are completely reversed within five years.
"It is the responsibility of the Centre and Chhattisgarh government to reverse this damage and bring Bastar on par with the rest of the country in terms of development," Shah stated. He also assured the families of surrendered Maoists that "your wards will return home soon, armed with suitable skills and education to lead a life of honour."
The initiative marks a significant shift from counter-insurgency operations to developmental activities, aiming to integrate Bastar's tribal population into mainstream governance and welfare schemes.
