New Delhi: Chhattisgarh government’s initiatives in Bastar region, long associated with conflict and insurgency, were lauded as a model of governance and cultural revival at the chief ministers’ conclave, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 25 May at the Ashok Hotel in New Delhi, according to a statement issued by the state government.
CM Vishnu Deo Sai also made a presentation, on what he called the ‘Bastar Model’, a mix of tribal sporting events, cultural festivals, and digitised governance initiatives. “Our goal is not just to launch schemes but to ensure they are implemented honestly and effectively on the ground,” he said.
Bastar Olympics, which saw participation from 1.65 lakh athletes, including surrendered Maoists and differently-abled youth, was framed as a grassroots response to Modi’s “Kheloge India, Jeetoge India” call.
CM Sai also shared the story of a wheelchair athlete, Punem Sanna from Dornapal, once a Maoist stronghold.
Bastar Pandum, a large-scale tribal cultural festival, saw participation from over 47,000 performers and 1,743 cultural troupes. Both initiatives, the CM said, helped foster unity, revive tradition and reinforce community pride.
The state’s digital governance initiatives, like the Atal Monitoring portal to track real-time performance of schemes, and focus on effective delivery of central schemes were also showcased during the conclave.