After being caught in the cobweb of bullets and violence for decades, Bastar is now poised to become a model for economic resurgence, employment, education, tourism and agriculture-based development.
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Thursday presented a new vision of a Naxalism-free Bastar to the nation during the 11th meeting of the NITI Aayog Governing Council, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
He said that efforts are underway to boost milk production, plans are being formulated to bring water to farmlands, digital health facilities are reaching villages, and continuous initiatives are being taken to connect the youth with employment opportunities.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister presented a comprehensive action plan aimed at doubling the income of tribal families in Bastar, ushering in a ‘white revolution’ (dairy sector growth), expanding irrigation facilities across 32,000 hectares, developing tourism into a major industry, and attracting investment in modern sectors like AI and semiconductors.
He mentioned that a target has been set to increase the monthly income of families in Bastar to Rs 30,000 over the next three years. Currently, approximately 85 per cent 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.
Sai also mentioned that digital health profiles for approximately 36 lakh people are being created to strengthen healthcare services in the remote areas of Bastar. This will ensure the secure maintenance of records regarding patient treatment, illnesses and medications, while also providing doctors with accurate and timely information. Rural populations, women and the elderly stand to benefit the most from this initiative.
The Chief Minister stated that the government is developing Chitrakot and Sirpur — a pilgrimage site associated with Buddhism — into world-class tourist destinations. Activities such as water sports, adventure sports, and jungle safaris are being expanded in Bastar, while work is underway in Sirpur on a global meditation center, a museum and the development of the Mahanadi riverfront.
He noted that tourism has the potential to become a major source of employment. “Developing Bastar into a global tourism hub will increase employment and self-employment opportunities for thousands of young people,” he said.
He noted that a new model of development is being crafted for Bastar, focusing on education, health, skill development and digital technology. “’Education Cities’ are being developed in Abujhmad and Jagargunda at a cost of Rs 100 crore. Additionally, quality education is being provided to children through 341 PM SHRI schools, 5,857 smart classrooms, and bilingual books available in 16 local languages,” he said.
New industries are being set up in sectors such as sports equipment, semiconductors, electronics, bio-ethanol, garments and textiles, thereby increasing employment opportunities. Incentives are also being provided to ‘green industries’ to promote environmental conservation.
He highlighted that the ‘One District-One Product’ (ODOP) scheme is enabling local products from the state to access national and international markets. In the 2025-26 financial year, exports worth Rs 761.76 crore were recorded up to February 2026, with aromatic rice making the most significant contribution. This is leading to an increase in the income of farmers, artisans and entrepreneurs.
