Minister Laxmi Rajwade’s Efforts Bear Fruit: Electricity to Reach Remote Forest Hamlets

Over ₹3 crore approved for electrification

Raipur, February 2026 : Hamlets nestled deep within forests—where generations had accepted darkness as destiny—are now set to receive their first rays of light. In a major development, a substantial approval of ₹3,06,92,670 has been granted to provide regular electricity to three remote villages in the Odgi development block of Surajpur district. This significant initiative has been made possible through the special efforts of Laxmi Rajwade, Minister for Women and Child Development and MLA from Bhatgaon.

Several hamlets in villages Masanki, Bank, and Asura of the Bhatgaon Assembly constituency in Surajpur district had remained disconnected from the main power grid for decades. As night fell, these areas would plunge into complete darkness, forcing residents to rely on oil lamps or limited solar lighting. Children’s education, agricultural work, and everyday life were severely affected by the lack of electricity.

During her field visits, Minister Rajwade took serious note of the villagers’ hardships and initiated action at the departmental and state levels to push forward proposals for electrification. Under the Chief Minister’s Majra-Tola Electrification Scheme, the sanctioned funds will be used to expand electricity infrastructure in Lukbhukiya and Pateripara of Masanki village; Khaspara and Schoolpara of Bank village; and Khaspara, Pandopara, and Asura-1 of Asura village. This multi-crore project will not only light up homes but also open new avenues for education, agriculture, and self-employment.

One of the biggest challenges was securing permission for forest land, as these hamlets are located amid dense forests. With Minister Rajwade’s intervention, the required no-objection certificates were obtained at the departmental level, clearing the way for work to begin on the ground soon.

Minister Rajwade stated that it is the state government’s priority to ensure that no home remains in darkness. She expressed confidence that access to electricity will help children study better, ease agricultural activities for farmers, and encourage local self-employment and small enterprises. This initiative, she said, will prove to be a crucial step toward integrating forest regions into the mainstream of development.