“Bastar will now be known not for guns, but for the voice of development” – Union Home Minister Amit Shah

Union Home Minister Announces: Every Naxal-Free Village to Receive ₹1 Crore Development Fund
A Commitment to Bring Tribal Identity and Culture to the International Stage

Historic Conclusion of Bastar Pandum 2025 Celebrated

Raipur : The grand concluding ceremony of Bastar Pandum 2025, a festival symbolizing tribal traditions, folk art, and cultural heritage, was held today in Dantewada.

Bastar Pandum to be Recognized as a National Festival

In his address, Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah announced that starting next year, Bastar Pandum would be celebrated as a National Festival. He said artists from tribal districts across the country would be invited, giving Bastar’s culture a global platform.

Shri Shah paid homage to tribal deities and revered Maharaja Pravir Chandra Bhanj Deo, noting his sacrifice to protect water, forest, land, and tribal culture. He also remembered freedom fighter and social justice icon Babu Jagjivan Ram on his birth anniversary for dedicating his life to the rights of Dalits, backward classes, and tribal communities.

Massive Participation in Bastar Pandum 2025

This year’s celebration saw participation from 47,000 artists across 1,850 village panchayats, 12 town panchayats, 8 municipal councils, and 1 municipality. Held from 12 March to 5 April, the festival was organized in 7 categories and will be expanded to 12 categories next year.

Preserving Culture, Language, and Traditions

Shri Shah emphasized that Bastar’s languages, musical instruments, hymns, and customs are not just a part of Chhattisgarh’s legacy but India’s cultural heritage. He called upon everyone to take collective responsibility for their preservation.

New Development Scheme: ₹1 Crore for Naxal-Free Villages

The Home Minister announced that villages aiding in Naxal surrenders will be declared “Naxal-Free Villages” and granted ₹1 crore in development funds. He urged villagers to hold gram sabhas and promote the surrender process.

Tendu Leaves Now Bought at ₹5,500/Bag – No Middlemen

He shared that the government is now directly purchasing tendu leaves at ₹5,500 per standard bag, with payments going directly into tribal bank accounts—ending middlemen exploitation and cutting off funding for red terror.

Rehabilitation for Surrendered Naxals

He clarified that Naxals who surrender will be rehabilitated with security and dignity, but those who do not will face strict action from security forces.

Essential Services for Every Village

Shri Shah assured that every village will be provided with schools, small hospitals, Aadhaar cards, ration cards, and health insurance coverage.

Promoting Local Tribal Products

Under the ‘Vocal for Local’ initiative, Bastar’s bell metal, terracotta, wooden crafts, tattoo art, and paintings will be marketed nationally, including in Delhi markets.

National Recognition for Tribal Heroes

He highlighted that Birsa Munda’s birth anniversary has been declared Tribal Pride Day, and for the first time in history, an Adivasi woman, Droupadi Murmu, has been elected President of India, reflecting the government’s commitment to tribal empowerment.

Modi Government’s Achievements

He outlined that in the past 10 years, the Modi government has built over 4 crore homes, provided 11 crore gas connections, built toilets in 12 crore households, ensured tap water in 15 crore homes, and offered free ration and health insurance (up to ₹5 lakh) to 70 crore people.

Bastar’s New Dream: Doctors from Sukma, Collectors from Kanker

Shri Shah envisioned a future where doctors, collectors, barristers, and administrators emerge from Bastar. “The real development will come when Bastar rises not through weapons but with the power of pens and computers,” he declared.