RAIPUR: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi on Thursday to discuss the accelerating pace of development and the changing security landscape in the Bastar region.
Accompanied by the Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma, the chief minister outlined a strategic shift to integrate former conflict zones into the mainstream through expanded healthcare and public service initiatives.
A key focus of the discussion was the transformation of old security camps. Once symbols of regional tension, these sites are now being converted into “Jan Suvidha Kendras” (Public Service Centres).
The centres provide villagers with access to primary and specialised healthcare, banking and financial services, educational resources and enrolment for government welfare schemes.
By centralising these services in remote areas previously affected by Maoist influence, the government aims to strengthen administrative outreach to the most marginalised sections of society.
The chief minister highlighted the progress of the Mukhyamantri Swasth Bastar Abhiyan, launched on April 13, 2026. In its first month, the campaign screened 2.186 million people for health issues and created comprehensive digital health profiles for residents. Medical teams are now reaching villages where ambulances were previously unable to operate.
Sai said early detection of serious illnesses and free treatment are now available to residents. He also noted that the newly operational super-specialty hospital in Jagdalpur, the headquarters of Bastar district, would reduce the need for patients to travel to Raipur,
Bilaspur, or Durg for advanced medical treatment. Beyond healthcare, the state is advancing the “Bastar Munne (Leading Bastar) Campaign”, which aims to ensure 100 percent delivery of 31 major government schemes.
The roadmap presented to the Union Home Minister stressed a comprehensive approach to stability, including expansion of road networks and next-generation Dial-112 emergency services, along with skill development, employment generation and investment promotion. It also focused on restoring the state’s presence in regions previously cut off by insurgency.
According to government officials, Shah appreciated the progress made by the state and reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to the sustainable development of Bastar. The meeting comes ahead of Shah’s proposed visit to the region on May 18 and 19, during which he is expected to review the ongoing changes on the ground.