Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai was welcomed in Bastariya style

-Chief Minister observed the experience zone and stalls based on the theme of Bastar Haat

Raipur 18 November 2024: Chief Minister  Vishnudev Sai was welcomed in Bastariya style on his arrival at Chitrakote to attend the meeting of Bastar Area Tribal Development Authority today. Tribal folk dance troupes gave an attractive performance to welcome him. Public representatives greeted him by wearing the traditional Gaur Singh crown.

Special preparations were made for organizing the meeting of Bastar Area Tribal Development Authority at the famous tourist destination Chitrakote. On this occasion, Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai observed the experience zone and various departmental stalls based on the theme of Bastar Haat. At the meeting place of the Authority, the development plans and achievements of the seven districts of the division, Bastar, Kondagaon, Dantewada, Kanker, Narayanpur, Sukma and Bijapur were shared through stalls. These stalls showed a wide glimpse of development and innovation.

A glimpse of the journey of ‘Bastar Coffee’

The process and spread of ‘Bastar Coffee’ has been shown in an interesting way in the stall of Bastar district. The entire process of coffee production, from fresh cherry production to coffee washing, roasting, grinding and powder packaging has been demonstrated in the exhibition. The initiative of ‘Bastar Cafe’ has also promoted employment and economic activities at the local level. Efforts are also underway to get national and international recognition for the Bastar Coffee brand.

A confluence of art and innovation

Kondagaon district has put forward its traditional craftsmanship and modern development projects through the stall. Jhitku Mitki Artisan Producer displayed the architecture of Shri Ram Temple of Ayodhya with bell metal art. During this, information was given about the tourism development taking place in the district, garment factory to increase employment opportunities, Anemia Mukt Kondagaon Abhiyan to strengthen health services, ‘Mawa Kondanar’ mobile app: initiative towards transparent administration and making civic facilities available on digital platform.

Innovations in education and child development

Dantewada district shared the innovations made in the field of education and child welfare. An initiative has been started to connect out-of-school and non-admitted children with the mainstream through the Bal Mitra program. Children are being trained in leadership and decision making through Bal Mitra library and panchayat. This program is proving to be important for education as well as overall development.

Increasing livelihood from minor forest produce

Minor forest produce based projects and horticulture development are being given priority in Kanker district. Fresh Sitafal project has become a major source of income for the sisters of self-help group along with local farmers. Information has been given about nutrition and employment, small rice fish farming, new employment opportunities in Kadaknath poultry farming and livelihood promotion.

Example of women empowerment

Unprecedented efforts have been made in the field of women empowerment in Narayanpur district. The sisters of self-help groups have increased the participation of women in activities like herbal gulal, mushroom production, Kadaknath rearing and quail rearing. These activities have given economic independence to women. Nutritional diet and integrated agriculture, inclusion of new technologies in agriculture have been demonstrated.

Progress of transport and housing schemes

Emphasis has been laid on infrastructure and rural development in the stall of Sukma district. The work being done towards improving the transport facility under Hakkum Mail, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, positive change from housing projects, Lakhpati Didi Yojana Maraiguda (forest) Panchayat, positive results in economic empowerment of women self-help groups were displayed.

Positive results of ‘Niyad Nella Nar’ scheme

In Bijapur district, the state government has focused on holistic development through the ‘Niyad Nella Nar’ scheme run in Maoist affected areas, which includes availability of better education and health services for the villagers, use of technology and local resources to provide new employment opportunities, efforts to showcase the natural beauty of the district to the world through tourism.