In a landmark development, the residents of Puvarti, an extremely Maoist-affected and remote village in Sukma district at the southernmost tip of Chhattisgarh, watched national and international news, serials and local films on Doordarshan after 78 years of independence.
This initiative marks a significant step toward rapid development in Maoist-affected areas, bringing positive changes to remote villages like Puvarti, Silger, and Tekalgudiyum.
On this historic occasion, children from the village watched educational programmes and cartoons with visible joy and excitement.
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai, the Chhattisgarh government has launched the Niyad Nellanar Yojana to promote development and extend the benefits of welfare schemes to the remotest villages. The main objective of the initiative is to ensure 100 per cent implementation of central and state government schemes in these areas.
Through the Chhattisgarh State Renewable Energy Development Agency (CREDA), solar-powered appliances such as lights and fans were distributed to families in Puvarti. Additionally, Doordarshan TV sets were installed in Puvarti, Tekalgudiyum, and Silger, with two sets in each village. This initiative has addressed the issue of power shortages and liberated villagers from darkness.
Villagers expressed their delight, stating that the solar fans would provide much-needed relief in the summer and TV sets and solar-powered appliances have brought a sense of hope and transformation to their lives.
Banjam Madgu from Niyad Nellanar, and Bandipara in Puvarti, said, “We never imagined having TVs in our village. Watching news, serials, and films for the first time feels like being connected to the world. The solar lights and fans will brighten our nights and ease the heat. This is nothing short of a miracle for us.”
Youth from the village, including Nuppo Hadma from Tumalpara in Puvarti, added: “Studying at night will now be easier with the help of solar lights. The educational programmes on Doordarshan will provide valuable information to the children.”
District Collector Devesh Kumar Dhruv highlighted that delivering solar-powered appliances to remote and Maoist-affected villages is a significant step toward development. He emphasized that these efforts are not only meeting the basic needs of villagers but also promoting sustainable energy and environmental conservation.
