Watch: Surrendered women Maoists shine at Raipur fashion event

RAIPUR: A recent fashion event in Raipur showcased women who once carried weapons as Maoists, now walking the ramp with grace and confidence. These women, who have since surrendered and re-integrated into society, proudly displayed handloom outfits during the Tribal fashion show. The event highlighted their remarkable journey of transformation following their surrender.

Last week, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma met with Union Minister for Rural Development and Agriculture, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, in New Delhi. They sought special relaxations under central infrastructure schemes to boost development in the Bastar region, which has been free from Maoist insurgency for decades after a long struggle.

Sai expressed his optimism, stating that Bastar has transitioned into a more peaceful region. He emphasized the urgent need to strengthen road connectivity and integrate the area into mainstream development. With an emphasis on the importance of connectivity, Sai conveyed to ANI that the region’s unique demographic profile poses challenges under the current central funding guidelines for road development.

The Chief Minister pointed out that Chhattisgarh has greatly benefited from the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY). However, Bastar's sparse population spread across vast and remote areas complicates road construction due to strict population-based eligibility criteria. Despite receiving numerous roads under the PMGSY, Sai explained that the low population density in the region makes it difficult to connect smaller, isolated habitations.

He shared with the Union Minister that they met to request some relaxation in the scheme’s norms. Sai conveyed his hope that the Minister would take initiative in addressing this matter, as connectivity is crucial for the region’s development.