Blueprint drawn for rapid overall development in Bastar

Raipur. Arvind Panagariya, Chairman of the 16th Finance Commission and the members of the Commission, while discussing with the Panchayat representatives, drew a blueprint for the rapid overall development of the Panchayats. In the meeting held in the Prerna Room of Jagdalpur Collectorate, the headquarters of Bastar Division, the Panchayat representatives gave important suggestions for the development of Bastar.

On the suggestions of the Panchayat representatives, the Chairman of the Finance Commission, Mr. Panagariya said that the tenure of the 16th Finance Commission will be effective from 2026-27 to 2030-31. Keeping this period in mind, we have to prepare the upcoming action plan for development according to the local needs. Expressing happiness over the suggestions given by the Panchayat representatives of Bastar, he said that all the suggestions given here are related to the scope of the Finance Commission and action will definitely be taken on them. The Panchayat representatives talked about such issues related to public concern, which will be tried to be resolved as far as possible.

Bastar District Panchayat President Vedvati Kashyap started the discussion by saying that under the 15th Finance Commission, allocation is issued on the basis of 90 percent population and 10 percent area. Under Bastar district, dependent villages and hamlets in Gram Panchayats are spread far and wide, therefore, keeping the area in mind, allocation should be provided on the basis of 70 percent population and 30 percent area under the 16th Finance Commission. Along with this, she said that our Bastar is full of culture, whether it is Devgudi, Mela, Mandi. It has great recognition in Bastar. Keeping this in mind, provision of allocation should also be made for Devgudi, Mela, Mandi and sports area.

Bastar District Panchayat Vice President Maniram Kashyap said that along with the implementation of PESA Act in Bastar, it is a Naxal-affected area. Under the 16th Finance Commission, he talked about providing additional allocation to Naxal and PESA districts along with population and area. Also, most of the population of Bastar lives in these forest areas and the main source of income for most of the tribals is minor forest produce. Additional allocation should be arranged to bring the minor forest produce in the category of co-product by adding value to it.

Along with this, other Panchayat representatives gave suggestions regarding working in agriculture and irrigation sector in view of the rocky and hilly land in Bastar district, eliminating the compulsion of drinking water and sanitation sector and providing freedom to choose sector from other 09 themes, simplification of online payment system, providing assistance to farmers for collective fencing and installation of tube wells, providing immediate assistance in case of natural disaster, providing allocation on the basis of dependent villages for development of infrastructure in Gram Panchayats.

Suggestions were also given by the Panchayat representatives regarding preservation of Devgudi, Matagudi, memorials of the dead, centers of faith of tribal culture of the region, development of facilities in tourist places. Along with this, suggestions were also given to provide necessary equipment and human resources to provide quick service to the people through modern information technology.
Inspector General of Police Sundardaj P. informed about the loss of life caused by the leftists as well as the adverse effect on the development of the area. Along with this, he also told about the strategies made to solve this problem and keeping in mind the needs of the area, he made his presentation before the Commission regarding additional financial assistance for speedy work for education, health, basic infrastructure.
Collector Vijay Dayaram K. on this occasion informed about the geographical, economic, social conditions of Bastar and also gave information about left wing extremism, technical, administrative, economic geographical challenges. He described the grant of the Finance Commission as very important as the income of the Panchayats. Along with this, he also gave information about the remarkable work done in Bastar with the amount of the previous Finance Commissions and emphasized on giving priority to human resources, information technology equipment, special assistance for the region and tribal welfare work for rapid development in Bastar.

The chairman praised the presentation and appreciated the arrangements

Chairman of the Central Finance Commission Dr Arvind Panagariya praised the power point presentation given by the district and police administration. He said that the presentation was prepared completely focusing on the local basic needs. The presentation helps in understanding Bastar as well as gives information about the steps to take forward the development. Along with this, he also gave important suggestions regarding collection of outcome data at the district level. Along with this, he praised the better arrangements for the study tour of the commission and said that the participation of the district administration and local panchayat representatives and villagers during this period is important for the development of Bastar.