“Badesatti Becomes Chhattisgarh’s First Naxal-Free Gram Panchayat Under Elvid Panchayat Yojana”

Badesatti Marks a Milestone in Chhattisgarh’s Fight Against Naxalism

Badesatti, a village in Chhattisgarh’s Sukma district, has made history by becoming the state’s first Naxal-free gram panchayat. This achievement follows the successful implementation of the Elvid Panchayat Yojana. The scheme helps villages that eliminate Naxal activities by granting them Rs 1 crore for development projects.

How Badesatti Achieved Naxal-Free Status

Located 45 km from Sukma, Badesatti achieved this landmark after 11 Naxals surrendered to authorities on Friday. According to Kalmu Joga, the sarpanch of Badesatti, the local panchayat encouraged the militants to give up violence and rejoin society. The village will soon pass a resolution officially declaring itself Naxal-free, making it eligible for Elvid Yojana funding.

The Elvid Panchayat Yojana: Empowering Villages for Development

The Elvid Panchayat Yojana is a part of the Chhattisgarh Naxal Surrender/Victim Relief and Rehabilitation Policy-2025. This initiative provides Rs 1 crore to village panchayats that help facilitate the surrender of Naxalites. The funds can be used for vital infrastructure projects, such as improving roads, water supply, and healthcare facilities.

Ongoing Development Projects in Badesatti

While Badesatti celebrates its Naxal-free status, significant development projects are underway to improve the village’s infrastructure. These projects include:

• Power supply to six hamlets (with two more being electrified),
• Water pipeline installation under the Jal Jeevan Mission,
• Construction of a new residential school for children up to class 8, and
• An overhead water tank to provide consistent water supply.

Badesatti’s Transformation: From Violence to Development

Badesatti, once plagued by Left Wing Extremism (LWE), started its journey toward peace in 2021 with the establishment of a Chhattisgarh Armed Force (CAF) camp. This camp led to road construction and a gradual decline in Naxal activities. Jamuna Kumar Rajak, the Company Commander of the CAF’s 1st battalion, highlighted that most of the village’s population now has access to electricity and water.

Policing Efforts in Badesatti and Bastar Region

The Bastar Range Inspector General of Police, Sundarraj P, noted that Badesatti had not witnessed significant LWE violence in recent years. Although Naxal activity still occurs occasionally, police efforts have significantly reduced the area’s vulnerability. The police have been working with local leaders to encourage Naxal militants to surrender.

Future Plans for the Bastar Region

The authorities plan to expand the success of the Elvid scheme across the entire Bastar region. This region includes districts such as Sukma, Bijapur, and Dantewada. The aim is to eradicate Naxalism in these areas and implement development projects that will help restore peace and prosperity. The Union Home Minister, Amit Shah, recently visited Dantewada and expressed strong support for the Elvid Panchayat Yojana, emphasizing the government’s commitment to Naxal-free India by March 31, 2026.

Conclusion: Badesatti Leads the Way for Naxal-Free Villages

Badesatti’s success marks a crucial turning point in Chhattisgarh’s ongoing battle against Naxal violence. With the introduction of the Elvid Panchayat Yojana, the village now stands as a model for other areas in the region. As more villages follow suit, Bastar and other Naxal-affected regions will experience significant improvements in infrastructure and community life.