Union Home Minister unveils Seva Dera model in Bastar as Chhattisgarh moves towards post-Naxal development
Bastar: Security camps established for paramilitary forces in Naxal-affected regions will now be transformed into public service centres aimed at tribal welfare and rural development, said Union Home Minister Amit Shah during the inauguration of the “Seva Dera” initiative today.
The major announcement was made during Shah’s visit to Netanar in Bastar district of Chhattisgarh, where a paramilitary security camp was officially converted into a Seva Camp. The initiative is being seen as a symbolic and strategic shift from anti-Naxal operations towards development, governance and public welfare in the region.
Addressing locals and officials, Shah described the move as a historic step in Bastar’s transformation after years of violence and insurgency.
“This is a historic day. The place where security forces once fought Naxal violence will now become a centre serving tribal communities,” Amit Shah said.
Bastar Seva Dera Initiative Focuses on Tribal Welfare
Shah stated that the newly developed Seva Deras would provide multiple public services under one roof, including Aadhaar registration, ration card services, banking support and access to hundreds of state and central government welfare schemes.
According to the Home Minister, around 70 out of 200 security camps in Bastar will gradually be transformed into public convenience centres over the coming months.
He further said the project would be designed with the support of the National Institute of Design to ensure modern infrastructure and easy public accessibility.
“Through Common Service Centres, tribals will receive benefits of 371 government schemes from a single building,” Shah stated.
Amit Shah Says Naxalism Is Ending in Chhattisgarh
During his speech, Shah highlighted the decline of Naxal influence in Bastar and credited security forces for restoring stability in the region.
He claimed that nearly 3,000 Naxalites had surrendered and many former insurgents were now being integrated into mainstream society through rehabilitation and education initiatives.
According to Shah, adult education programs are also being conducted for surrendered cadres with support from the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.
“Those spreading terror with guns have been eliminated by our security forces,” he said.
The Home Minister also recalled the hardships faced by local residents during the peak of Naxal violence, including children losing parents in IED blasts and villages remaining disconnected from government schemes for decades.
Dairy Model and Forest Produce Employment Planned for Bastar
Emphasizing long-term development, Shah announced plans to introduce a Gujarat-style dairy model in Bastar through the National Dairy Development Board.
Under the proposed initiative, tribal women will reportedly receive two cattle animals each with support from both the central and state governments to boost self-employment and rural income.
He also stressed the need to improve packaging, branding and national-level marketing of Bastar’s forest produce through cooperative networks.
According to Shah, dairy farming and forest produce industries together could open a “new era of employment” in tribal regions.
Government Pushes Bastar Development After Naxal Violence
The Home Minister said the government aims to bring administrative services directly to villages so that residents no longer need to travel to Raipur or district headquarters for basic facilities.
He also referred to initiatives such as Bastar Olympics and Bastar Pandum as efforts to reconnect tribal youth with mainstream opportunities and cultural identity.
