The Samikhsya Bureau
Raipur: The Chhattisgarh Government led by visionary Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel has devised a novel move to fight the red rebels in a path of non-violence that has emerged as a classic example for the rest of India.
In its bid to conquer the hearts of the tribals in Dantewada district of Bastar, known as the bastion of the Maoists, the Government has undertaken development of the Devgudis, the places of worship of the tribals’ deities at a war-footing basis.
The Government move is considered as a very effective move in its battle against the radicals by winning over the tribals.
Devgudis play a vital role in the socio-cultural lives of tribals.
Under direct monitoring of the Chief Minister, the district administration has identified 143 such sacred shrines of the tribals in all the 143 gram panchayats. Each Devgudi is sanctioned Rs.7 lakhs for its beautification.
The fund is being spent on fencing, provision of drinking water, construction of toilets and other basic amenities spread over an acre of land.
As per the tribal tradition, people gather in large numbers at the holy space of Devegudis in their villages for a number of occasions.
By providing the amenities apart from the beautification of the sites, the administration would be able to come closer to the villagers in successful implementation of government programmes, the officials believed.
Maoists reportedly persuaded and even threatened people of some of the villages to reject the government move. Despite the threat, Devgudis in 15 village panchayats have already been developed, they revealed.
