Bastar Roadmap 2.0: CM Sai Presents Development Vision to PM Modi, Focus on Rapid Growth After Peace
Raipur / New Delhi / (Shikhar Darshan) //
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi and presented a detailed development plan for Bastar under the ‘Bastar Roadmap 2.0’. He also expressed gratitude for the progress made towards ending Maoism and restoring peace in the region.
The Chief Minister said that with peace returning to Bastar, the government is now focusing on fast-paced development, job creation, and improving the quality of life for people. The roadmap prioritizes agriculture, agro-forestry, irrigation, and tourism to create new opportunities for local youth.
Prime Minister Appreciates ‘Niyad Nella Nar’ Scheme
During the meeting, the Chief Minister briefed the Prime Minister on ongoing development work in Bastar. He stated that the strategy is based on “saturation, connect, facilitate, empower, and engage.”
Prime Minister Modi appreciated the ‘Niyad Nella Nar’ scheme, noting that it has significantly improved access to basic services in previously Maoist-affected areas. According to survey findings, 93% of villages now have primary schools, 97% of children receive mid-day meals, uniforms, and books, and Anganwadi centres are functional in 97% of villages.
Focus on Connectivity, Livelihoods, and Social Outreach
The Chief Minister informed that the scheme will now be expanded to 10 districts, including all seven districts of Bastar division along with Gariaband, Mohla-Manpur-Ambagarh Chowki, and Khairagarh-Chhuikhadan-Gandai.
To improve connectivity in remote areas, the Mukhyamantri Gramin Bus Yojana has been launched and is currently operating on 38 routes. Events like Bastar Pandum and Bastar Olympics have also boosted local pride and participation.
Expansion in Education, Healthcare, and Irrigation
Sai highlighted that education cities are being developed in Orchha and Jagragunda. A super-speciality hospital has already started functioning in Jagdalpur, and a medical college is being set up in Geedam, Dantewada.
Irrigation projects worth over ₹2,000 crore, including barrages at Matnar and Deurgaon on the Indravati River, are underway to strengthen agriculture and water management.
Income Growth and Employment Strategy
The Chief Minister stated that around 85% of families in Bastar currently earn less than ₹15,000 per month. The government aims to increase this to ₹30,000 within the next three years through livelihood clusters, linking beneficiaries to NRLM, cooperatives, and Van Dhan centres.
A saturation initiative named ‘Bastar Munne’ will also be launched, ensuring delivery of government schemes and quick resolution of public grievances in every gram panchayat.
Invitation to Prime Minister to Visit Bastar
Chief Minister Sai invited Prime Minister Modi to visit Bastar after the monsoon, where several major projects are proposed for inauguration and foundation laying. He described the meeting as productive and reaffirmed the state’s commitment to transforming Bastar into a hub of development and opportunity.
