CHIEF Minister Vishnu Deo Sai presented a vision for a Naxalism-free and economically vibrant Bastar during the 11th meeting of the NITI Aayog Governing Council chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. Chief Minister Sai said that the region, long affected by Left-wing extremism, is now on the path to becoming a model of development driven by agriculture, tourism, education, technology, and employment generation. The Chief Minister outlined an action plan to double the income of tribal families, targeting a monthly household income of Rs30,000 within the next three years. The strategy includes expanding dairy farming through a ‘white revolution’, strengthening agriculture and forest-based livelihoods, and implementing irrigation projects worth over 2,000 crore that will bring 32,000 hectares under assured irrigation.

 

Sai said around 200 security camps in Bastar are being transformed into ‘Seva Deras’, offering villagers access to 371 central and state government welfare schemes, including healthcare, banking, pensions, and education services. Digital health profiles for nearly 36 lakh people are also being created to improve healthcare delivery in remote areas. Highlighting tourism as a major employment driver, he said Chitrakot and Sirpur are being developed as world-class tourist destinations, with investments in adventure tourism, jungle safaris, and cultural infrastructure. The Chief Minister also showcased Chhattisgarh’s push for investment and innovation, citing 435 governance reforms, a strengthened single-window clearance system, the establishment of two semiconductor units, and new missions focused on AI, tourism, sports, infrastructure, and startups. He added that initiatives such as AgriStack, PM SHRI schools, smart classrooms, and Education Cities in Abujhmad and Jagargunda are helping build a skilled and digitally empowered workforce. Sai said that the State’s industrial growth under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative and the One District-One Product (ODOP) scheme is boosting exports and creating new opportunities for farmers, artisans, and entrepreneurs.