Government to fund grid extension for 461 Bastar villages, CM meets central minister

Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai traveled to the national capital to discuss an electrification project targeting 461 villages in the Bastar region that were previously affected by Naxal activity. He submitted a comprehensive proposal to Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jewel Oram, seeking a central contribution of ₹435 crore.

The proposal highlights that these villages, spread over seven districts, have been deprived of essential services for decades. Providing grid electricity is now framed as the state’s highest development priority, expected to uplift education standards, health outcomes, employment prospects and local entrepreneurship.

The total estimated outlay for the scheme is ₹973 crore. The requested central assistance is broken down into three installments: ₹85 crore for the 2026‑27 financial year, ₹250 crore for 2027‑28 and ₹100 crore for 2028‑29. The remaining funds will be financed by the Chhattisgarh government.

The CM appealed for the project to be treated as a ‘special case’ under Article 275(1) to accelerate clearance, arguing that power supply will integrate Bastar’s forest‑covered areas into the state’s mainstream development path.

Minister Oram responded affirmatively, stating that the ‘Dharati Abaa Gram Utkarsh’ plan will expedite the approval process and that adequate resources will be ensured for tribal and sensitive zones.