P Satish Kumar
Bijapur, September 13
Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Tokhan Sahu said that the areas once deeply affected by Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) had taken a big leap forward to join the mainstream of development under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Since 2014, the government has pursued a policy focussed on security, inclusive development, and rehabilitation, he said. Subsequently, the LWE is now in its final phase of eradication, Sahu added.
Addressing a dialogue programme organised by the Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the Union Minister said the government’s target was to make India completely free from LWE by March 2026. “The message is clear—violence has no future; the future lies only in development. Areas once known as the ‘Red Corridor’ are now turning into ‘Development Corridors.’ Roads, electricity, education, and digital connectivity are replacing fear and backwardness,” he said.
The Minister asserted that under the Rehabilitation and Surrender Policy 2025, those surrendering are being provided incentives, monthly allowances, housing, food, education, and employment support. Collective surrenders fetch double benefits. Panchayats declared Maoists-free are being given a special development package of Rs 1 crore to ensure immediate access to roads, power supply, mobile connectivity, and solar lighting.
Sahu said under the Niyad Nellanar Yojana, 90 villages in Bastar were being developed as model villages with assured roads, water supply, schools, healthcare, and digital access. “This is not just about fixing a date; it is a mission to pay tribute to the martyrs of our security forces and to guarantee a safe and inclusive India,” he said.
On the occasion, Member of Parliament Mahesh Kashyap said Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself had been closely monitoring the development of Bastar. He highlighted that improved road and digital connectivity is giving local agricultural produce access to new markets, boosting trade and the regional economy.
Referring to the Bastar Olympics, Kashyap said the event was giving cultural and sporting talent from Bastar national recognition. “The Bastar Olympics have kept thousands of youths away from drugs and violence, inspiring them towards a positive life. Their participation has proved that the future of Bastar lies in education, sports, and skills, not in violence,” he remarked. He added that the event has also provided a boost to tourism and the local economy.
District Collector Sambit Mishra highlighted that Bijapur has made historic progress in health, education, women and child welfare, road construction, and drinking water supply. He informed that new health centres have been established, over 45,000 Ayushman health cards issued, more than 36,000 women benefited from the Mahtari Vandan Yojana, and piped water supply along with extensive road networks are transforming the district.
Superintendent of Police Jitendra Yadav stated that security operations under the Maoist-free campaign were being carried out continuously in the district. Alongside, rehabilitation schemes are being implemented, which have significantly reduced Maoists influence.
He added that surrendered Maoists were being provided incentives, housing, education, employment, and healthcare support. The district police chief appealed to the remaining Maoists to shun violence and join the mainstream of development, assuring that “the government is fully prepared to provide every possible assistance and security to those who wish to return to society.”
