The Press Information Bureau (PIB), Raipur, under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, today successfully organised a special media interactive workshop titled ‘Vartalap’ at Jagdalpur, the divisional headquarters of Bastar. Focused on the theme ‘12 Years of Seva, Sushasan and Garib Kalyan: Bastar Moving from Naxalism towards Development and Trust,’ the workshop served as an important platform to deliberate on the transformative socio-economic changes taking place in the region. The event highlighted how the targeted welfare policies implemented over the past 12 years have helped Bastar emerge from the shadow of Left-Wing Extremism and move steadily towards development, improved infrastructure and enhanced public confidence.

 

Addressing the workshop as the chief guest, Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Tokhan Sahu presented a comprehensive overview of the Central Government’s flagship schemes and achievements over the past 12 years. He underlined that education and development remain the two most important pillars for the sustainable transformation of remote regions like Bastar. The Union Minister of State stated that the vision of good governance remains incomplete until the light of education reaches the remotest corners of Bastar and every citizen is integrated into the mainstream of development. He noted that through visionary policies, the Government has succeeded in improving the quality of life of millions of citizens, particularly those residing in historically marginalized and backward areas. Presenting the achievements of the Government’s welfare schemes, Sahu highlighted how these initiatives have transformed the socio-economic landscape of both the nation and the Bastar region.

 

To promote financial inclusion, more than 58 crore Jan Dhan accounts have been opened, bringing millions of previously unbanked citizens into the formal financial system. Presiding over the workshop, Bastar Member of Parliament Mahesh Kashyap emphasized the region’s changing development narrative and the comprehensive upliftment of its tribal communities. He stated that Bastar is writing a new chapter of progress by overcoming the fear of Naxalism. The workshop was attended by Sanjay Pandey, Mayor of Jagdalpur Municipal Corporation, District Collector Akash Chhikara, Senior Superintendent of Police Shalabh Sinha, and Chief Executive Officer of the Zila Panchayat Pratik Jain.