Raipur, April 7, 2026// Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai met Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in New Delhi today and presented a detailed plan for the next phase of Bastar’s development under ‘Bastar Roadmap 2.0’.
He thanked the Prime Minister on behalf of the state’s three crore citizens, stating that sustained guidance and resolve had led to major progress towards the goal of eliminating Maoism by March 31.
Chief Minister said that with peace returning to Bastar, the government is now focusing on faster development, job creation, and strengthening everyday life. The roadmap gives priority to agro and agro-forestry sectors, expansion of irrigation, and tourism, with the aim of opening up new opportunities for local youth.
Prime Minister appreciates impact of ‘Niyad Nella Nar’ scheme
During the meeting, Chief Minister briefed Prime Minister on ongoing work in Bastar. He said the state is working on a strategy centred on saturation, connect, facilitate, empower, and engage. Prime Minister praised the implementation of the ‘Niyad Nella Nar’ scheme stating that it has improved access to basic services in areas once heavily affected by Maoism. Shri Sai shared findings from a third-party assessment conducted by the National Council for Applied Economic Research (NCAER). The survey shows that 93 percent of villages now have primary schools, with 97 percent of children receiving mid-day meals, uniforms, and books. Anganwadi centres are operational in 97 percent of villages. Most villages are linked to Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, and 89 percent of residents have Ayushman cards. By March 2026, coverage of ration cards and Aadhaar has crossed 95 percent.
Focus on connectivity, livelihoods, and social outreach
Chief Minister said the ‘Niyad Nella Nar’ scheme will now be expanded to ten districts, including all seven districts of Bastar division along with Gariaband, Mohla-Manpur-Ambagarh Chowki, and Khairagarh-Chhuikhadan-Gandai.
To improve mobility in remote areas, the Mukhyamantri Gramin Bus Yojana has been introduced and is currently running on 38 routes in Bastar.
He added that events such as Bastar Pandum and Bastar Olympics have helped build local pride and brought renewed energy to the region.
Under the Elvad scheme, development works worth up to Rs 1 crore are being approved in Maoist-free gram panchayats. Rehabilitation efforts for surrendered Maoists and affected families are also underway.
Expansion in education, healthcare, and irrigation
Shri Sai informed the Prime Minister that education cities are being developed in Orchha and Jagragunda on the lines of Dantewada Education City. A super-speciality hospital has started operations in Jagdalpur, while health centres in remote areas are now functioning more effectively. A medical college is also being set up in Geedam, Dantewada.
He said irrigation projects worth over Rs 2,000 crore are in progress, including barrages at Matnar and Deurgaon on the Indravati river. These are expected to strengthen agriculture and water management.
Income growth and livelihood strategy
Chief Minister noted that 85 percent of families in Bastar currently earn less than Rs 15,000 per month. The government has set a target to raise this to Rs 30,000 within three years. For this, self-reliant livelihood clusters will be developed, linking beneficiaries to NRLM, cooperative societies, farmer producer organisations, and Van Dhan centres.
A saturation camp initiative named ‘Bastar Munne’ will also be launched. Camps will be organised in every gram panchayat to ensure delivery of schemes and quick resolution of public grievances.
Invitation to Prime Minister to visit Bastar
Shri Sai said the people of Bastar share a strong bond with the Prime Minister and invited him to visit the region. He requested time for Bhoomipujan ceremonies of key railway and irrigation projects.
Chief Minister described the meeting as productive and said the state will continue to move ahead with focused efforts to develop Bastar as a region of emerging opportunities.