Union Home Minister Amit Shah has announced a significant initiative aimed at promoting development in Chhattisgarh. Every village in the state that is declared free of Naxalism will receive development funds totaling Rs 1 crore. These funds will be allocated to villages that actively participate in the surrender of Naxalite members.
During the closing ceremony of Bastar Pandoom 2025 in Dantewada, Shah emphasized the government’s commitment to provide rehabilitation for surrendered Naxalites, ensuring their security and dignity.
The central government has set an ambitious target to eradicate Naxalism by March 31, 2026. Shah revealed that, starting in 2026, Bastar Pandoom will be recognized as a national festival, celebrating the region’s rich cultural heritage with participation from tribal artists across India. This initiative aims to showcase and promote tribal culture on the global stage.
Shah paid tribute to tribal deities and honored Maharaja Pravir Chandra Bhanjdeo for his role in advocating for tribal rights. He also acknowledged social justice leader Babu Jagjivan Ram on his birth anniversary, underscoring the importance of preserving tribal languages, music, and customs as essential elements of India’s cultural heritage.
In a further move to support the tribal community, Shah announced the direct procurement of tendu leaves at a rate of Rs 500 per standard sack, with payments directed to tribal accounts. He also highlighted the recognition of tribal leaders nationally, citing the observation of Birsa Munda Jayanti as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas and the election of India’s first tribal woman President, Droupadi Murmu.
Shah outlined the central government’s broader developmental achievements, which include the construction of over four crore houses, distribution of LPG cylinders to 11 crore households, and providing piped water to 15 crore families. Under the ‘Vocal for Local’ campaign, the government plans to promote tribal crafts from Bastar, including bell metal, terracotta, and woodwork, in both national and international markets.
In conclusion, Shah shared a vision of a future where youth from Bastar can pursue careers as doctors, civil servants, and professionals, prioritizing education and opportunities over violence. His announcements followed the successful conclusion of the Bastar Pandoom 2025 festival, which showcased tribal culture, folk art, and traditions through the participation of 47,000 artists from various local governance bodies. Plans to expand the festival to twelve categories in the upcoming year were also revealed.
