Jagdalpur: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah attended the closing ceremony of the Bastar Olympics as the chief guest today in Jagdalpur, Chhattisgarh. The event was graced by Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma, and several other dignitaries.
Amit Shah began his address by highlighting the historic significance of the Bastar Olympics 2024, emphasizing its role as more than just a sports event. He stated that the Bastar Olympics is set to become a symbol of hope and transformation for all seven districts of Bastar, symbolizing the region’s journey from despair to development. He added that in future editions of the Olympics, Bastar will emerge as a hub of peace, security, and prosperity, firmly dealing a decisive blow to Naxalism.
Amit Shah spoke of Bastar’s evolution, recalling the region’s past struggles with basic amenities like electricity, healthcare, and education. He lauded the efforts of the state government, which has launched a wide-ranging campaign to bring transformation to the region over the past year. He noted that while previous governments lacked coordination in addressing Naxalism, the present government has intensified its efforts to combat Naxalism through security measures and community-driven development initiatives. In the past year alone, 287 Naxalites have been neutralized, nearly 1,000 arrested, and 837 surrendered.
Highlighting the inclusive development taking place, Shah praised the Chhattisgarh government’s launch of over 300 public welfare schemes in villages, aimed at empowering tribal communities and integrating them into the broader development narrative. He emphasized the success of the ‘Niyad Nellanar’ scheme, which seeks to transform villages into self-sustainable models of prosperity. Through such initiatives, schools, electricity, roads, and healthcare facilities are now accessible in remote areas, significantly improving the quality of life for the people of Bastar.
Furthermore, Amit Shah focused on the Modi government’s commitment to eradicating Naxalism by March 31, 2026. He highlighted the success of past initiatives, including the establishment of 708 Eklavya Model Residential Schools and a significant increase in the tribal welfare budget from Rs. 28,000 crore in 2013-2014 to Rs. 1,33,000 crore for 2024-2025. These developments, he noted, have been instrumental in nurturing tribal talent and empowering marginalized communities.
Amit Shah also spoke about the transformative potential of tourism and small-scale industries in Bastar. He highlighted that under the Modi government, tourism has been promoted alongside infrastructure development, ensuring Bastar’s natural beauty attracts global attention. Additionally, welfare schemes for tribal farmers, such as the purchase of paddy at Rs. 3,100 per quintal and future plans for Tendu leaf procurement, are aimed at ensuring fair and equitable development.
Concluding his address, Amit Shah reiterated the importance of peace as the cornerstone of Bastar’s development. He emphasized that the eradication of Naxalism is essential for fostering a thriving, secure, and prosperous Bastar, which will soon emerge as a model for other regions to emulate. The Bastar Olympics, he assured, will be remembered not only for its sporting achievements but for its role in shaping a new narrative of development and progress for the region.