In a significant shift, numerous villages across the conflict-ridden Bastar division of Chhattisgarh are now proactively approaching the state government. They are seeking official recognition as 'Naxal-free' zones under the innovative Ilwat Panchayat scheme. This move marks a dramatic change for communities that have lived for years under the shadow of Maoist insurgency.
Surge in Applications Prompts New Verification Protocol
The sudden and substantial increase in proposals from village councils has led the state Home Department to act swiftly. Officials are now formulating a clear Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to determine which gram panchayats authentically qualify for the status. The government is keen to ensure the scheme's integrity is not diluted by extending it to areas that were never severely impacted by Left-wing Extremism (LWE).
Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Vijay Sharma recently concluded a two-day tour of Sukma, Bijapur, and Narayanpur districts. During his interactions with sarpanches, ward members, and traditional community leaders like gayta, sirha, pujari, and baiga, several panchayats expressed eagerness to be evaluated. The incentive is substantial: an Ilwat declaration comes with a development grant of Rs 1 crore and priority execution of village-level projects.
Strict Criteria for the Coveted 'Ilwat' Status
Bastar Range Inspector General of Police Sundarraj Pattlingam clarified that not all of the division's 1,800-plus gram panchayats can qualify. The government has established firm criteria for eligibility:
- Historical Naxal Impact: The village must have a documented history of Maoist influence. Proposals from relatively peaceful areas will not be considered.
- Absence of Recent Activity: There should be no recent violence, recruitment, threats, or sightings of armed cadres for several months, ideally close to a year.
- Demonstrable Community Effort: The village must show active participation in preventing recruitment, providing intelligence on Maoist movements, or facilitating surrenders.
One sensitive issue being addressed is how to treat villages where a resident cadre remains active elsewhere. Home Minister Sharma indicated that relaxations might be considered if top cadres have completely stopped visiting the village.
The Road from Conflict to Peace and Development
The Ilwat Panchayat scheme, conceptualised under the government's Niyad Nella Nar initiative, is designed as a conflict-to-peace transition model. It formally recognises villages where the Maoist presence has ended and residents have fully reintegrated into civilian life. The model has already seen success, with two villages in Sukma—Badesatti and Kerlapendra—receiving certification.
Now, five more villages—Ketulnar Petha, Mangapetha, Rani Bodli, Ambeli, and Darbha—have initiated the formal process. They have been asked by the Home Minister to begin with passing a Gram Sabha resolution declaring no Maoist presence or resident involvement with the organisation.
The subsequent verification by district administration and police is rigorous and can take two to three months. Officials note that isolated provocations, like a stray pamphlet, will not outweigh a consistent pattern of peace. The new SOP will detail schedules for Gram Sabhas, submission windows, verification checklists, and a review mechanism for the 'Naxal-free' tag if future activity emerges.
As LWE influence wanes, the scheme aims to empower communities and cement peace through development. Home Minister Sharma's message to community leaders was clear: "violence and development cannot go together." He urged them to persuade any remaining youth in the forests to return and accept the government's rehabilitation offer, closing a long and painful chapter for Bastar.
