From Red Zone to Growth Hub
Raipur, May 26/ Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Monday virtually inaugurated a branch of Chhattisgarh Gramin Bank in Pamed, a remote village in Bijapur district once considered a Maoist stronghold. Describing the move as a landmark in the region’s journey from extremism to empowerment, the Chief Minister said, “This land once feared as the base of Maoist Battalion No. 1 is today witnessing the rise of banks, hostels, and hope. This is the new Bastar — confident, connected, and committed to change.”
The bank branch will bring formal financial services to over 50 villages, eliminating the need for villagers to travel nearly 100 kilometers to Avapalli for basic transactions. The facility will support account openings, withdrawals under welfare schemes such as the Mahatari Vandan Yojana, and enable seamless access to banking facilities and government subsidies.
The launch formed part of the state’s flagship Sushasan Tihar initiative, aimed at delivering governance to the last mile.
Speaking from Delhi, CM Sai emphasized the symbolic significance of the moment. “This is not just a bank opening. This is the commitment of the state for stability and welfare of people — not with force, but with trust, services, and stability,” he said.
In addition to banking services, the Chief Minister also inaugurated a 50-seater tribal girls’ hostel, constructed at a cost of ₹1.62 crore, to strengthen educational access for young women in the region. A Nutrition Rehabilitation Centre (NRC) was also launched to address the pressing issue of child malnutrition in surrounding tribal areas.
CM Sai highlighted infrastructure development as the cornerstone of Pamed’s long-term integration. The Dharmavaram Bridge over the Talperu River, currently under construction, is expected to drastically reduce the 200-kilometre detour through Telangana previously required to reach the district headquarters. Complementing this, a direct bus service between Pamed and Bijapur has been initiated to ease mobility and stimulate local commerce.
The event was marked by the presence of hundreds of local residents and key officials, including former minister Mahesh Gagda, Zila Panchayat President Janki Korsa, Collector Sambit Mishra, and SP Dr. Jitendra Kumar Yadav. A ‘Samadhan Shivir’ (public grievance redressal camp) was also held, where officials addressed citizen concerns in real-time — reinforcing the administration’s on-ground engagement.
CM Sai concluded with a firm resolve: “By March 2026, we aim to eradicate Maoist influence entirely. What once symbolised fear will now represent a new chapter of hope, development, and democracy.”
