The picture is changing in Bastar, Naxal violence is now replaced by happiness, Chief Minister Kanya Vivaah Yojana
In the Bastar division of Chhattisgarh, where the sound of bullets was once heard, now the echo of happiness and joy is heard everywhere. Due to the good governance of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai and the effect of the Naxal rehabilitation policy and Niyada Nellnar scheme of the Government of Chhattisgarh, the young men and women and Naxal victims who left the path of Maoist violence and returned to the mainstream have started a new life.
The mass marriage ceremonies organized in Bastar division under the Chief Minister Kanya Vivaah Yojana have become witnesses to this change.
On 13 January 2025, in the presence of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai, two surrendered Naxal couples Mausam Mahesh-Hemla Munni and Madkam Pandu-Ravva Bhime got married with Vedic rituals in the mini stadium of Sukma. All four had left the Naxal organization and surrendered in June 2024. The Chief Minister blessed the newlyweds and wished them a happy life. On this occasion, Mr. Sai also gave the gift of development works worth Rs 206 crore to Sukma district. The newlyweds said that the public welfare policies and rehabilitation schemes of the Chhattisgarh government inspired them to leave the path of violence and adopt the path of peace and development.
Mass marriage of 220 couples in Dantewada, Naxal victim of Purvarti marries a soldier
On 20 December 2024, 220 couples tied the knot and started married life under the Chief Minister Kanya Vivah Yojana in the temple complex at Mendka Dobra in Dantewada. These included a Naxal victim from Purvarti village and a couple of a soldier posted there. Purvarti, which was once the stronghold of dreaded Naxalites Hidma and Deva, is now moving towards prosperity, free from fear due to the schemes of the government and the presence of security forces. Under the Niyyad Nellnar Yojana, two couples of Dhurli village, Seema Bhaskar-Ramesh Bhaskar and Sundari Telam-Dhannu Kunjam also got married. An amount of Rs 35,000 was transferred to the bank accounts of all the newlyweds.
Mukhyamantri Kanya Vivaah Yojana: Support for poor families
Under the guidance of Women and Child Development Minister Smt. Laxmi Rajwada, the Mukhyamantri Kanya Vivaah Yojana has given a new life to the poor families of Bastar. Under the scheme, each couple is given an assistance of Rs 50,000, out of which Rs 35,000 is transferred directly to the bride’s account. During the tenure of Shri Vishnu Dev Sai government, more than 15,000 couples have been married under this scheme so far.
A new chapter of peace and development in Bastar
The anti-Naxal actions and welfare schemes of the Chhattisgarh government under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai have boosted the morale of the villagers of Bastar. Surrendered Naxalites are getting an opportunity to live a respectable life through employment, housing and financial assistance. These marriage ceremonies of Bastar division proved that violence and hatred can be defeated with love, trust and sympathy. Bastar has now emerged from the darkness of Naxalism and is shining in the light of peace, love and development.