1 Cr development fund for Maoist-free panchayat, announces Dy CM Sharma

Raipur: Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief minister and Home minister Vijay Sharma visited Sukma on Sunday. During a high-level meeting at the district collectorate, Sharma engaged with sarpanches, block members, and district panchayat representatives from sensitive areas to discuss a roadmap toward a Maoist-free Bastar. Stressing the importance of mainstream integration through education and employment, he instructed officials to connect surrendered individuals with minor forest produce processing and agriculture-based training.

Sharma called for the establishment of a community prayer space (Devsthali) at the center.

Addressing the gathering, Sharma emphasized the need for a collective push toward peace and development. "Bastar holds immense potential. Its children are gifted, but progress has been stalled due to Maoist violence. We must all work together to end this disruption," he said.

Sharma announced Rs 1 crore development grant for every panchayat officially declared Maoist-free. Villages meeting this criterion will also receive key infrastructure like bus services, mobile connectivity, and electricity supply. Additional funds will be allocated to block and district panchayat representatives to carry out development work.

For those who aid security forces in anti-Maoist operations, Sharma said there is a provision for direct appointment in police services based on threat perception and committee recommendations.

Later, Sharma met surrendered Maoists to hear their concerns and feedback on the state's rehabilitation efforts.