Chhattisgarh: Security camps making transformational changes in Bastar by emerging as Jan Suvidha Kendra
Bastar, May 18
The camps of security forces, which played a pivotal role in the battle against Naxalism and its eradication, are ready to bring transformational change into the lives of people by offering them various services, ensuring their skilling and providing livelihood opportunities.
With the eradication of naxalism, camps of security forces are being transformed into 'Sewa Dera-a Jan Suvidha Kendra'.
After Bastar became free from the menace of naxalism, the camps of security forces, which once provided security to infrastructure development and helped in the construction of roads, are being transformed into Jan Suvidha Kendra, said Bastar Collector Akash Chhikara.
Shaheed Veer Gundadhur Sewa Dera, which has been inaugurated today by Home Minister Amit Shah at Netanar, is offering more than 400 services that include making of Aadhaar, its update, opening of bank account, banking activities and others, the Collector elaborated.
"Moreover, the second part of this center has been developed as a place for skilling, wherein women are being trained to carry out stitching and become self-reliant," said Bastar Collector Chhikara while speaking to ANI.
He further informed that the third part of this Dera has been developed as a centre for livelihood wherein processing of paddy is being carried out through the traditional method using Dhenki. Production of rice using Dhenki is beneficial for health as well.
"Moreover, the centre is also offering processing of tamarind," he said.
"Currently, the camp is being developed as the centre offering services, skills, and livelihood," said the collector.
"In the next phase, we plan to develop this centre as a multi-service delivery centre and economic hub for the overall development of the village," Collector Chhikara said, adding that the place could be used for the purpose of a hostel and school/college building according to the requirement.
"This centre will directly benefit 5000 persons of three panchayats," said the collector.
Residents have expressed significant relief and satisfaction following the establishment of the Sewa Kendra, which has streamlined the process for availing essential government services.
Dhruv Ram, a local resident, highlighted the positive impact of the centre, stating that it has drastically reduced the time and effort required for administrative tasks.
"Establishment of Sewa Kendra is benefiting us largely. Earlier, we had to travel several kilometres to get work related to Aadhaar done, and it cost us around two days. With the opening of this centre, work is being done swiftly within a few hours," he said.
Another resident, Asmati Nag, said, "Before the establishment of this sewa dera, people had Jagdalpur or Nangur, several kms away from Netanar and the nearby village, as the only option to learn stitching."
"This centre is connecting large numbers of people with skilling and livelihood activities," said Asmati.
— ANI
Reader Comments
I've seen these areas. People had to travel 50-60 km just for Aadhaar updates or bank work. Now 5000+ people from three panchayats get services right there. Also the skill training for women is a game changer. But I wonder how long it will take to scale this to all such camps? Patience needed.
Wow, this is what true development looks like! From security to services, from fear to empowerment. The Dhenki rice processing using traditional methods is also a nice touch—promoting health and local culture. More power to the administration! 💪
The idea is good, but I hope the center is actually staffed properly and not just a photo op. Many such initiatives start with fanfare and then die down. Also, processing tamarind and paddy is fine, but what about market linkages? Without buyers, the women will just have stock at home. Needs more thinking on sustainability.
I'm from a nearby village in Bastar. This is real. Earlier going to Jagdalpur for stitching class was impossible for many women. Now they can learn and earn at the same place. My cousin is already making beautiful bags. The change is happening slowly but surely. Thank you to the security forces and administration! 😊
This is a very smart move. Instead of just maintaining a security presence, they are turning these camps into community assets. 400 services under one roof? That's like a mini-government office. And the plan to use it as a hostel or school later is forward-thinking. Hats off to the Collector for this vision. 👏
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