Badesatti becomes Chhattisgarh's first Naxal-free panchayat

Sukma

Badesatti, located in Chhattisgarh's Sukma district, has become the first gram panchayat in the state to be declared Naxal-free after the launch of the Elvid Panchayat Yojana. Under this scheme, areas that are declared free from Naxal influence will receive development funds worth Rs 1 crore. Badesatti achieved this status after 11 Naxal militants surrendered on Friday.

The Elvid Panchayat Yojana is part of the state's Naxal Surrender/Victim Relief and Rehabilitation Policy-2025. The scheme offers funding to panchayats that support Naxal surrenders and pass resolutions declaring themselves Maoist-free. Badesatti's sarpanch, Kalmu Joga, stated that with the help of the police, the village encouraged individuals involved with the banned outfit to abandon violence and reintegrate into society. As a result, the village now stands completely free from Naxal influence.

Badesatti’s infrastructure needs remain significant, as it lacks a panchayat building and hospital, and the local school only offers education up to grade eight. The Elvid Yojana funds will be used to improve roads, water supply, and other essential services. In recent years, the village has seen considerable development, including road construction and increased power supply to most of its hamlets.

Bastar Range Police officials have reported a significant decline in Naxal activity in the region. The surrender of the 11 militants brings Badesatti closer to its goal of full rehabilitation, with each surrendered individual receiving Rs 50,000 in assistance. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has praised the Elvid Panchayat scheme and emphasized the government's commitment to eradicating Naxalism from Bastar by March 2026.