SUKMA, Chhattisgarh: In a rare and powerful display of grassroots governance, district officials in Sukma traveled by motorbike through difficult forest terrain to reach some of the region’s most remote villages and directly interact with residents.
Sukma district, located in the southern part of Chhattisgarh, is known for its dense forests, rough terrain, and areas historically affected by Maoist insurgency. Many villages remain difficult to access due to a lack of proper roads, swollen streams during certain seasons, and long stretches of forest trails. Reaching these areas is often considered challenging even for administrative teams.
However, Sukma Collector Amit Kumar and Superintendent of Police Kiran Chavan decided to personally visit the remote villages of Karigundam and Nimalguda in the Konta block, traveling by motorbike along narrow forest paths along with their administrative team. For villagers who rarely see senior officials in person, the visit came as a surprise and a moment of encouragement.
Officials Hold Public Meeting with Villagers
After reaching the villages, the Collector and SP organized a public interaction meeting (Jan Chaupal) where villagers—including women, elderly residents, and youth—shared their concerns openly.
Collector Amit Kumar asked residents whether they were receiving the benefits of government welfare schemes. He reviewed the progress of housing under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, sanitation facilities, and other development projects.
He also instructed officials to ensure that incomplete houses under the housing scheme are finished quickly so beneficiaries can move into permanent homes.
Door-to-Door Interaction with Families
The visit was not limited to the public meeting. The Collector and SP went door-to-door, speaking directly with families in their homes.
They asked residents whether they receive regular ration supplies, whether their Aadhaar cards, Ayushman health cards, and bank accounts have been created, and how forest produce collection is functioning in the area.
Officials also gathered information about pregnant women and healthcare facilities available for childbirth.
Villagers said most government schemes are reaching them, though they requested improvements in drinking water and electricity supply. The Collector directed concerned departments to take immediate action to improve these services.
Focus on Employment for Local Youth
During the visit, the administration also emphasized creating employment opportunities for local youth.
Collector Amit Kumar instructed officials to identify educated young people in the villages and provide them with local employment opportunities. Positions such as education volunteers, Anganwadi workers, forest produce record keepers, salesmen, and Anganwadi surveyors will prioritize qualified local candidates.
The initiative has generated enthusiasm among village youth, who believe that local employment will help accelerate development in their communities.
Strengthening Women’s Self-Help Groups
Another key announcement focused on empowering women’s self-help groups (SHGs).
The Collector said that tamarind procurement at the government’s minimum support price will be carried out through women’s self-help groups in the area. This move is expected to provide better income for villagers while strengthening the financial independence of women’s groups.
Development Plans for Nimalguda
During the visit to Nimalguda village, the administration also issued several development directives, including:
- Deepening of village ponds for water conservation
- Land leveling for agriculture
- Construction of a Devgudi (community sacred site)
- Improvement of village roads
Officials believe these projects will significantly improve water availability, farming conditions, and transportation access in the village.
Administrative Team Accompanied the Visit
The field visit was also attended by District Panchayat CEO Mukund Thakur, DFO Akshay Bhonsle, and several officials from different departments.
Many local issues were resolved on the spot, while others were assured of prompt action.
For many villagers, the visit was historic. Residents said it was the first time such senior officials had personally come to their homes, strengthening their trust in the administration.
Elderly residents and women expressed that when officials visit villages themselves and listen to people directly, it reassures communities that the government genuinely cares about their welfare.