CM Sai unveils ‘Bastar 2.0’ vision
Raipur | Correspondent: Following the official declaration of Chhattisgarh as 'Naxal-free,' Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has signaled a historic shift in the state's security strategy. The Chief Minister has clarified that the government's entire focus will now pivot away from internal security operations to concentrate, on a large scale, on rural development and the rehabilitation of surrendered Maoists.
In an exclusive interview with PTI, Chief Minister Sai shared the blueprint for 'Bastar 2.0,' explaining that the region, once known as a war zone, is now being developed as a global hub for agriculture, tourism, and high-tech infrastructure. The Chief Minister attributed this success to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Double Engine Government' and the strategic timelines established by Home Minister Amit Shah.
Under the state government's 'Niyad Nellanar' (Your Good Village) scheme, government amenities are being extended to over 500 remote villages that were once considered inaccessible.
Viewing development as a protective shield, the Chief Minister has approved irrigation projects worth ₹2,000 crore on the Indravati River, a move expected to bolster the agricultural economy.
To boost tourism, homestays and fisheries are being encouraged in Bastar, to transform the region's identity from that of a 'war zone' to a 'sustainable tourism destination.'
Additionally, a rehabilitation policy has been announced for approximately 3,000 surrendered Naxals; under this policy, they will receive monthly financial assistance for three years, a one-time lump-sum payment, and land for agricultural or residential purposes. Chief Minister Sai expressed confidence that as the rays of development reach every household, the culture of the gun will naturally fade away, and Chhattisgarh will establish new dimensions of progress.
