The Naxalist-Maoist insurgency has been an ongoing conflict in Chhattisgarh for the past many decades. The administration in various districts have still not been able to reach the villages which are highly prone to Naxal activities. While many administrators are still struggling to connect with the people of these villages, an IAS officer in Sukma district is taking developmental steps to win the trust of people here.
The officer in focus is Mr. Vinit Nandanwar IAS (of 2013-batch), who got posted as the District Collector of Sukma two months ago. In just a short span of time, he has brought a positive change in the relationship between the villagers and the administration by his immediate redressal to their various issues.
INTERACTION WITH THE VILLAGERS
In an exclusive interview with Indian Masterminds, Mr. Nandanwar said “The main issue villagers face in these Naxal-affected areas are related to their security and the basic facilities which lack in their villages. It then becomes our duty to reach out to them by way of village visits and listen to their grievances. While I conducted visits in villages like Kistaram, Konda Sawli, etc. which are one of the most affected villages in the district, I got to know that these villagers have very few demands.”
ACCESS OF BASIC NECESSITIES
While interacting with the villagers, Mr. Nandanwar found out that people here lack basic amenities which needed to be taken care of on priority. He took various initiatives starting with providing clean drinking water to every household and better sanitation in the district. These measures have automatically led to a cleaner and more hygienic environment.
Soon after this, electrification of the Naxal-hit villages was completed, and better health and medical facilities were provided to the locals.
Not only this, but Mr. Nandanwar also executed the VHSND (village Health Sanitation and Nutrition day) program to reduce malnutrition among children and promote institutional deliveries of pregnant women.
IMPLEMENTATION OF INTEGRATED RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS
Several development programs were taken up by the administration under the guidance of Mr. Nandanwar. He said, “During the village visits, several demands of opening PDS shops were made by the villagers. I immediately gave sanction to this request.”
Apart from setting up PDS shops, the administration also gave a go-ahead for the quality construction of `anganwadis’, schools, hospitals, public toilets, and other infrastructures. Besides, it assured rural development by providing maximum man-days of work to local residents under MGNREGA & NRLM schemes.
Irrigational facilities were also promoted throughout the year by effective use of integrated watershed management. This has enabling farmers of the district to practice double-crop cultivation.
BEAUTIFICATION OF TOWNSHIP
An initiative called ‘Sanvarta Sukma’ was launched by Mr. Nandanwar in which a plantation drive was conducted (of ornamental plants) at a stretch of 3-kilometres on selected spots in the district. This initiative was taken up for encouraging people to plant flowering, ornamental, and medicinal plants in their homes.
Apart from this, glow boards have also been placed at specified spots within the towns, and beautification of prime locations such as Tungal Dam and Rangaraaj Park was done.
INITIATIVES FOR THE YOUTH
Mr. Nandanwar said, “While I was conducting a meeting with the villagers in Kistaram village, some grievances came up from the students who were seeking help in their higher studies. It was very unusual and astonishing to see their dedication to studies from such a small village like Kistaram.”
Hence, several initiatives were also taken up to provide good facilities to the students of such villages in the district. Under the guidance of Mr. Nandanwar, a pilot project was designed in which online coaching will be provided to the aspirants of the Civil Services Exam and other competitive exams, which will commence from 1 January 2021.
Apart from this, libraries have been built to assure students round the clock access to books, magazines, and other study materials helpful for preparations. Being a fitness freak himself, Mr. Nandanwar has also launched a well-equipped gymnasium in the district.
It goes without saying that these initiatives by Mr Nandanwar has made life easier for the villagers, and improved their relationship with the administration.
