JAGDALPUR — In a landmark visit to the once-troubled Bastar division, President Droupadi Murmu declared on Saturday, February 7, 2026, that the “atmosphere of fear and distrust” caused by decades of Maoist insurgency is finally coming to an end. Speaking at the inauguration of the three-day Bastar Pandum 2026 festival in Jagdalpur, the president highlighted the successful integration of former Maoists into the mainstream and the rapid arrival of basic infrastructure in remote tribal hamlets.
The President was joined by Chhattisgarh Governor Ramen Deka and Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, who reiterated the government’s firm commitment to making India “Naxal-free” by the March 31, 2026 deadline set by the Union Home Ministry.
1. Bastar Pandum 2026: A Cultural Confluence
The festival has grown significantly this year, reflecting a newfound sense of security and pride among the local communities.
- Massive Participation: Registration for the festival tripled this year, with over 54,000 participants (up from 15,000 in 2025).
- Indigenous Arts: The event features 12 cultural disciplines, including tribal theatre, folk songs, and the showcase of rare forest-based medicinal practices.
- Economic Boost: President Murmu emphasized the region’s immense tourism potential, specifically praising the state’s promotion of homestays and natural wonders like Bastar’s waterfalls and caves.
2. Development Initiatives: “Niyad Nellanar”
The President lauded the state’s ‘Niyad Nellanar’ (Your Good Village) initiative, which focuses on delivering government services to villages within a 5-km radius of security camps.
- Infrastructure: The scheme has successfully reopened schools that were closed for over 20 years and provided electricity, high-mast lights, and mobile towers to 327 identified villages.
- Mainstreaming: Murmu noted that those who have surrendered are receiving benefits under Central schemes like PM-JANMAN and the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Yojana, ensuring a dignified life after violence.
3. Celebrating Local Heroes: Padma Shri 2026 Winners
President Murmu personally congratulated the three dignitaries from Chhattisgarh selected for the Padma Shri 2026 awards for their decades of service in Naxal-affected zones:
- Budhri Tati (“Badi Didi”): Honored for social service and women’s empowerment in Dantewada.
- Dr. Ramchandra & Sunita Godbole: A doctor couple recognized for providing free, pioneering healthcare in the remote Abujhmad region for over 37 years.
4. Key Statistics: The “Naxal-Free” Countdown
| Objective | Current Status / Target |
| National Deadline | March 31, 2026 (Set by Amit Shah) |
| Security Presence | 54 New Security Camps established in 1.5 years |
| Bastar Pandum Artists | 54,745 Registered (Historic High) |
| Aadhaar Coverage | 70,000+ Issued in remote Bastar zones |