Bastar will be most developed region within 5 years: Amit Shah

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday said the fight against Naxalism would continue until former Naxal-affected areas are brought at par with the rest of the country in terms of development. Addressing the 26th meeting of the Central Zonal Council in Bastar region of Chhattisgarh, Shah said the region has now become free from both Naxalism and inter-state disputes, calling it a major achievement. Shah said Chhattisgarh connects nearly seven states, giving the Central Zone strategic importance. He added that no disputes remain either among the four member states or between the states and the Centre.
He said development initiatives under the “Whole of Government Approach” also played a key role in transforming areas affected by Naxalism. Shah credited the Chhattisgarh government for coordinating closely with the Union Home Ministry and ensuring support required for anti-Naxal operations.He appealed to the states to continue efforts in urban planning, public health and rural empowerment while ensuring banking facilities are available within a five-kilometre radius, given the growing dependence on Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)-based welfare schemes.
The meeting was attended by Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and senior officials from member states and the Centre. The meeting was organised by the Inter-State Council Secretariat under the Ministry of Home Affairs, with the Chhattisgarh government hosting the event.

Later, addressing the media in Jagdalpur, Amit Shah said that Bastar division of Chhattisgarh will emerge as the most developed tribal division in the country within the next five years. Shah also announced that every tribal family in Bastar will be provided one cow or buffalo and a large cooperative dairy network will be established in the region within six months. For this, the Chhattisgarh Government has signed an agreement with the National Dairy Development Board. The Union Home Minister said efforts will be made for the holistic development of Bastar, with special focus on empowering youth and women and preserving tribal culture. He added that violence cannot be a solution to any problem and development is possible only through peace and democracy.