Govt Schemes Transform 224 Villages in Bijapur, Bringing Development to Maoist-Hit Areas

Raipur: The winds of change are now clearly visible in the remote interiors of Bijapur district, which remained cut off from development for decades due to Maoist influence. Through the combined efforts of the Niyad Nellanar scheme and Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), basic facilities are now reaching villages that had long been deprived.

Essential services like employment, housing, drinking water, education, and livelihood opportunities are rapidly expanding. Under the Niyad Nellanar scheme, a total of 224 villages across 67 gram panchayats have been connected through 42 security camps in Bijapur.

Support to Over 16,000 Families

A major push has come through MGNREGA, with 16,671 job cards issued, including 7,271 new registrations, ensuring employment for thousands of families. Special focus has been given to integrating Maoist-affected groups into the mainstream.

• 966 surrendered Maoists
• 178 injured victim families
• 477 families of deceased victims

have been linked to MGNREGA for stable livelihoods.

Massive Development Impact

Under MGNREGA, 1,744 development works have been completed, generating over 5 lakh person-days of employment. This has significantly reduced migration and strengthened villagers’ trust in the administration.

Livelihood Through Ponds

To boost income, 372 livelihood ponds (dabris) have been sanctioned. In Belnar (Bhairamgarh block), villagers who once migrated due to Maoist fear have returned. Beneficiaries like Sahdev Korsa, Lakhu, and Sudru Korsa now have completed ponds, with plans for fish farming and vegetable cultivation through departmental convergence.

Housing for Thousands

Under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Gramin), 2,977 houses have been sanctioned, out of which 690 houses are already completed, providing safe shelter to families.

Ground-Level Transformation

• Dugali: A well built under MGNREGA is now a lifeline for 100+ villagers.
• Palnar: Construction of panchayat भवन, anganwadi, and gothan is generating jobs for 200 workers.
• Kavadgaon: After 50 years of isolation, the village now has roads, electricity, water, school, and mobile tower, with 100% job card coverage.
• Savanar & Pusukonta: New anganwadi buildings (₹9.35 lakh & ₹11.69 lakh) are improving nutrition and education.
• Bangoli: Villagers no longer travel 18 km for ration, as facilities are now available within the village.

Skill Development for Youth

To promote self-reliance, masonry training is being provided to surrendered Maoists and local youth, enabling them to find work in construction.

Vishnu Deo Sai stated that areas in Bastar which never witnessed development are now seeing new hope through these schemes. The government believes that when development reaches the last mile, it lays the foundation for lasting peace.