Security camps are being transformed into ‘Seva Deras’ to deliver government schemes and public services to remote villages
By Dhananjay Rathore
Joint Director, Directorate of Public Relations, Raipur
Raipur, October 2026 : A new and promising chapter of development and trust is being written in the villages of Bastar, which were once deprived of basic amenities because of Naxalite violence and difficult geographical conditions. Areas that once lived under the shadow of fear are now witnessing security camps being transformed into centres of development and public service.
An ambitious initiative is underway to develop nearly 200 security camps established in Naxal-affected areas of Bastar as Shaheed Veer Gundadhur Seva Deras. In the first phase, 70 camps are being converted into these service centres. The initiative is emerging as a new source of support for rural communities by providing access to digital services, banking facilities, skill training and self-employment opportunities.
Bastar Joins the Mainstream of Development
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, Bastar is progressing rapidly. The Chief Minister has said that, under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the firm resolve of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Bastar is moving towards freedom from the effects of Naxalism.
The government's primary objective is to establish Bastar among the country's leading developed tribal regions. Through the Niyad Nellanar scheme, basic facilities such as roads, electricity, drinking water, education and healthcare are being extended to remote areas. Schemes related to agriculture, animal husbandry and irrigation are also helping increase the incomes of rural residents.
Shaheed Veer Gundadhur Seva Dera: A Symbol of Good Governance and Public Trust
On May 18, 2026, Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the country's first Shaheed Veer Gundadhur Seva Dera public service centre at the CRPF camp premises in Netanar, Bastar district. The initiative is now being expanded rapidly.
Netanar holds historical significance as the birthplace of Bastar's great tribal leader, Shaheed Veer Gundadhur. During the historic Bhumkal Rebellion of 1910, Gundadhur raised his voice against exploitative British rule, fighting for tribal identity, dignity and the rights of communities over their water, forests and land.
Today, the Seva Dera established on this historic land has become a new centre for tribal self-reliance and modern development.
Government Services Available Under One Roof
Earlier, residents of Bastar's remote villages had to travel several kilometres to complete even routine tasks, such as obtaining Aadhaar cards, opening bank accounts or securing caste and residence certificates. These services are now being made available closer to their villages through the Seva Deras.
Digital services include Aadhaar enrolment and updates, KYC procedures, linking mobile numbers and accessing online services for birth and death certificates, income certificates and caste certificates. These facilities are helping residents complete essential administrative work locally.
Banking Services Through Bank Sakhis
Women are being trained as Bank Sakhis to provide banking services within their villages. These trained women help residents withdraw and deposit money and open bank accounts, making banking more accessible to remote communities.
The centres are also improving access to essential services such as health consultations, Anganwadi facilities and primary education.
Women’s Self-Help Groups Drive Economic Transformation
The Seva Deras are providing an effective platform to connect local resources and traditional skills with markets.
In Netanar, women belonging to the Gundadhur Women’s Self-Help Group are processing tamarind to produce high-quality tamarind pulp. Longi Nag, a member of the group, says that women engaged in this activity are working towards earning an annual income of up to ₹1 lakh.
The initiative has also made everyday life easier for rural women such as Sukhdevi, who no longer needs to travel long distances to obtain an Aadhaar card for her young daughter.
Women are earning additional income by preparing rice using traditional dhenki methods and selling the product, thereby preserving local traditions. Rice husk generated during the process is being used as animal feed. In addition, tailoring training centres are helping women develop skills and become financially self-reliant.
Connecting Bastar’s Products with Modern Markets and Better Packaging
Professional institutions are now being engaged to help Bastar's local products gain wider recognition. Recently, a team from the National Institute of Design in Ahmedabad visited Netanar to assess activities related to tailoring, tamarind processing and traditional dhenki-based rice production.
The team also discussed ways to improve product packaging and branding. These efforts are expected to create opportunities for products made by Bastar's rural women to reach national and international markets.
The journey from security camps to Seva Deras on the historic land of Shaheed Gundadhur demonstrates how strong political will, forward-looking policies and effective administration can transform remote regions.
The change is not limited to physical infrastructure and development. It also represents a new dawn of prosperity, dignity and confidence in the lives of Bastar's people.
