JAGDALPUR (Chhattisgarh) [India], December 13 (ANI): Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday pledged to make the Bastar division of Chhattisgarh the most advanced tribal region in the country within the next five years, reaffirming that India will be free from Naxalism by March 31, 2026.
Addressing the closing ceremony of the Bastar Olympics in Jagdalpur, Shah said, “It is our pledge that the entire Bastar and India have to be made Naxal-free. I say this before all of you today that this Bastar division of seven districts—Kanker, Kondagaon, Bastar, Sukma, Bijapur, Narayanpur, and Dantewada—will be the most developed tribal districts of the country by December 2030.”
Shah noted that Naxalism has hindered the region’s development like a “cobra spreading its hood,” and its eradication will pave the way for economic and social progress. He said, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, Bastar would witness unprecedented development in housing, electricity, sanitation, drinking water, gas provision, and free medical treatment up to ₹5 lakh.
The Union Minister outlined comprehensive development plans, including connecting every village by roads, establishing banking facilities within a 5-kilometer radius, and creating a dense network of primary and community health centres. Cooperatives for forest produce processing, dairy development to boost income, new industries, higher education institutions, state-of-the-art sports complexes, and hospitals will also be established across the seven districts.
Highlighting rehabilitation efforts, Shah said the government will implement schemes addressing malnutrition and offer attractive rehabilitation policies for surrendered Naxalites and those injured in Naxal-related violence. More than 700 surrendered Naxalites participated in the Bastar Olympics-2025, exemplifying the shift from conflict to constructive engagement.
Shah emphasised that Naxalism benefits no one—not insurgents, tribals, or security forces—and urged those still involved in violence to surrender and contribute to Bastar’s development. He praised tribal leaders for guiding youths towards peace and mainstream integration.
Shah also highlighted the preservation of Bastar’s rich cultural heritage. The Chhattisgarh government has established a modern recording studio for traditional songs, revived endangered festivals, and partnered with the Sports Authority of India to nurture sports talent from Bastar for national and international competitions. Participation in the Bastar Olympics increased from 1.65 lakh players last year to 3.91 lakh this year, with women’s participation nearly tripling.
Concluding his address, Shah said, “Bastar is now changing. Where echoes of gunfire were once heard, school bells are ringing. Where roads were a dream, railways and highways are being built. Where slogans of ‘Lal Salaam’ were raised, today ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’ is heard. We are all firmly resolved for a developed Bastar.”
The Bastar Olympics, organised annually by the Chhattisgarh Sports and Youth Welfare Department, aims to provide youth and victims of Naxal activities an opportunity to showcase their sports talent.
About The Author
