Chhattisgarh Governor Ramen Deka said on Sunday that violent ideologies are the biggest threat to democracy, and security forces have "broken the backbone" of Maoists by targeting them in their safest hideouts over the past year.
Speaking at the Republic Day event at the Police Parade ground, Deka also emphasised that his government is focused on rapidly growing the state’s economy.
He shared that Chhattisgarh could see an investment of Rs 2.5 lakh crore in the next five years, creating job opportunities for about five lakh people.
"The biggest threat to our republic is violent ideologies. For years, we have struggled with Maoism. But my government has worked hard over the past year to weaken the Maoists through an intensive campaign," he said.
"Our soldiers, full of enthusiasm, have broken the backbone of the Maoists, eliminating them from their safest hideouts."
In areas where Maoist violence had previously hindered development, the government has been offering 53 welfare schemes and 28 community services to villagers through the "Niyad Nellanar" (your good village) initiative.
Health camps have also been set up, and Aadhaar and Ayushman cards have been distributed.
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The governor also mentioned that Mahatma Gandhi's vision of "Suraji" villages is now becoming a reality in these regions.
Under the Niyad Nellanar scheme, the government is focusing on developing villages located within a 5-kilometer radius of security camps, using resources from security forces.
The government also organised the Bastar Olympics, with 1.65 lakh people participating, marking the return of peace to the region. Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised this initiative in his "Mann Ki Baat" programme.
Deka also highlighted that Chhattisgarh is an ideal state for investment. The new industrial policy and the "Single Window System 2.0" are creating a welcoming environment for entrepreneurs.
MoUs have been signed with companies to develop Nava Raipur Atal Nagar as an IT hub. The government has also identified land to build a 5,000-bed hospital and create a pharmaceutical hub.
The state’s tourism potential is also being explored with the development of a tourism corridor, which is expected to boost regions like Bastar and Surguja.
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This year marks the silver jubilee of Chhattisgarh's establishment, coinciding with the birth centenary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The state government is celebrating this as the "Atal Nirman Varsh."
Governor Deka also mentioned several welfare schemes, including the Mahtari Vandan Yojna for married women, the Deendayal Upadhyay Bhoomihin Krishi Mazdoor Kalyan Yojana for landless farmers, and higher rates for paddy procurement.
"My government’s motto is good governance, and for that, transparency is essential," he added. Digital governance is being introduced in various departments to reduce corruption, with Rs 266 crore invested in IT tools.
Chhattisgarh is also implementing the National Education Policy 2020, offering education in 18 local languages and dialects.
The governor concluded by noting that the state government is determined to make Chhattisgarh a developed state by 2047, in line with Prime Minister Modi's vision for a developed India by the country’s 100th year of independence.
Earlier, the governor unfurled the national flag and received a guard of honor from security forces. Cultural programs were also held to mark the occasion.
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