Bastar, once known for Naxalite violence, is now writing a story of change and development. The Shaheed Veer Gundhadhur Seva Dera Public Convenience Center, established in Netanar Gram Panchayat in Bastar district, is becoming a new medium for villagers, especially women, to develop self-reliance and hone their skills.
At the Seva Dera, operated at the CRPF camp in Netanar Gram Panchayat, District Panchayat CEO Mr. Tanmay Khanna observed activities such as sewing machine training, rice production using a mortar and pestle, and tamarind chapati production. Encouraging the women of the women’s group, CEO Mr. Khanna stated that the women’s efforts are inspiring in strengthening the rural economy, and that these activities need to be made more effective and widespread. He directed the initiative to establish production units for women receiving sewing training, so that they can have better opportunities for self-employment and regular income at the local level. He also directed special attention to group-based production, quality improvement, and marketing of products.
The Chief Executive Officer then inspected the Seva Dera (service camp) located in the Gram Panchayat Kamanar. Here, he discussed in detail with the villagers and self-help group members about establishing the “Seva Dera” and directed them to prepare and submit an action plan. He explained that through the Seva Dera, villagers will be able to access the benefits of various government schemes and services in one place. During the inspection, women from self-help groups submitted a memorandum regarding the establishment of a tamarind processing unit and a Mahua laddu processing unit. The women stated that the establishment of these units would better utilize local resources, create new employment opportunities, and significantly increase women’s income. Mr. Khanna expressed positive agreement with the proposals and assured necessary action.
