Puvarti, a village in Chhattisgarh's Bastar region, has undergone a remarkable transformation after decades of Maoist insurgency. The village, once a stronghold of Maoist commander Madvi Hidma and his deputy Barse Deva, is now witnessing the establishment of security camps, basic government facilities, and a sense of stability.
Madvi Hidma's mother, Pojje, who lives alone since her daughters got married, expressed her joy at seeing children walking to school every morning inside the Puvarti security camp. She also mentioned that the village will soon get electricity for the first time.
Barse Deva's brother, Barse Budhram, said that the change in the village was evident, with many residents now having ration cards and access to medical facilities. He added that the village is connected to Silger through a mud road, and a security camp has been set up inside the village.
The government has rolled out the Niyad Nellanar Yojana, aimed at extending governance and basic services to 494 villages located within a 10-km radius of 86 security camps in the Bastar region. The officials said 31 new primary schools have been approved, and nearly 50 previously shut schools reopened.
The state government has also sanctioned 49 fair price shops, 185 anganwadi centres, and 19 sub-health centres. To benefit from government schemes, around 108,000 Aadhaar cards and 59,488 Ayushman cards have been issued.
A senior intelligence officer estimated that around a dozen armed Maoist cadres are still active in Bastar. However, the establishment of security camps and regular engagement with villagers have enhanced safety, mobility, and confidence, encouraging greater participation in social and economic life.
