Post-Naxalism Bastar Poised to Double Income of Inhabitant Tribals in 3 Years: Sai
The action plan proposes development of the dairy sector in a massive way, expansion of irrigation coverage to 32,000 hectares, development of tourism to a major industry and establishment of modern sectors such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and semiconductors in Bastar region over the next three years.
Raipur: Chhattisgarh chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Thursday unveiled a comprehensive action plan aimed at doubling the income of tribal families in Bastar in the state over the next three years.
Mr. Sai presented the blueprint of the plan at the 11th meeting of the NITI Aayog Governing Council, held under the chairmanship of prime minister Narendra Modi at New Delhi, according to an official press release issued here.
The action plan proposes development of the dairy sector in a massive way, expansion of irrigation coverage to 32,000 hectares, development of tourism to a major industry and establishment of modern sectors such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and semiconductors in Bastar region over the next three years.
Mr. Sai said that Bastar is moving towards a new identity after the region is made Naxal-free.
He said that a target has been set to increase the monthly income of the families in tribal-dominated Bastar to Rs 30,000 over the next three years.
Currently, approximately 85 percent of families in Bastar earn less than Rs 15,000 per month.
The government is working to strengthen the economic status of rural families through agriculture, animal husbandry, forest produce, small-scale industries, and various welfare schemes.
The chief minister stated that a ‘dairy model’ is being rapidly implemented in Bastar.
Under this initiative, plans have been made to provide milch cows and buffaloes to tribal families with the aim of creating a sustainable source of income in villages.
He said that two major irrigation projects estimated at Rs 2,000 crore are being launched to expand irrigation coverage in Bastar to 32,000 hectares.
Mr. Sai said that digital profiles for around 36 lakh people are being created to strengthen healthcare services in remote areas of Bastar.
This will ensure the secure maintenance of records regarding patient treatment, illness, and medications, while also providing doctors with accurate and timely information.
He informed that around 200 security camps established in Bastar are now being developed into ‘Seva Dera’ (service hubs).
Through these centers, villagers are being provided access to 371 central and state government schemes- including rations, pensions, Ayushman cards, banking services, healthcare, and education- all under one roof.