From Darkness to Development: Chilkapalli Village in Chhattisgarh Gets Electricity for First Time Since Independence.jpeg)
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Bijapur, Chhattisgarh – May 28 | In a remarkable turn of events, Chilkapalli, a remote village tucked deep within the Naxal-affected Bijapur district of Chhattisgarh, is experiencing the light of development—literally. For the first time since India’s Independence, electricity has reached the village, igniting not just bulbs, but also hope in the hearts of its residents.
This transformation is being driven by the Niyad Nellanar Yojana, a state government scheme that is playing a pivotal role in reshaping one of the most underserved regions of the country. The initiative has helped turn the tide from decades of neglect to a new chapter of infrastructure, inclusion, and empowerment.
Development After Decades of Neglect
Until recently, Chilkapalli was a village cut off from modern amenities. Lacking roads, electricity, clean drinking water, and healthcare, the residents lived in isolation, caught in the grip of Naxalism and underdevelopment. But today, roads connect the village to the world, pumps bring clean water, and medical services are available at the doorstep.
“This is the first time since Independence that electricity has reached our homes,” said a visibly elated villager. “It feels like we are finally part of the country.”
Niyad Nellanar: The Engine of Transformation
The Niyad Nellanar scheme, launched by the state government, has emerged as a game-changer in Bijapur and other tribal regions. Focused on last-mile delivery, it ensures that basic government services and welfare benefits are delivered directly to remote, vulnerable populations.
Under the scheme, Chilkapalli has witnessed:
- Electrification of households
- Construction of all-weather roads
- Provision of clean drinking water
- Access to healthcare and medication
- Expanded banking and financial inclusion
Villagers credit this progress to what they describe as the "double-engine government" — a reference to the combined efforts of the state and central governments working in tandem.
Voices from the Ground: Hope and Change
For years, Naxalism was the biggest obstacle to development, according to local residents. The absence of roads and basic infrastructure kept government services at bay. But now, Maoist influence is receding, and villagers are stepping into the mainstream.
“Earlier, we lived in darkness—literally and figuratively,” said a male villager. “Now we can switch on a bulb at night, charge our phones, and see our children study under lights.”
A local woman added, “We have always heard about schemes, but for the first time, we are seeing them reach our doorstep. This is the benefit of a double-engine government.”
CM Vishnu Deo Sai: Governance That Reaches the Grassroots
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, while speaking to reporters, highlighted how banking facilities are being expanded across the Bastar region, and how the “Good Governance Festival” is enabling quick resolution of local grievances.
“For too long, these regions were abandoned. But now, we are turning promises into performance,” Sai said. “Development is not a privilege, it is a right. We are here to ensure it reaches every village.”
Setting the Stage for Sustainable Growth
What makes Chilkapalli’s turnaround significant is that it symbolizes a larger shift in the state’s approach toward conflict-ridden areas. It’s no longer just about policing or security operations. It’s about creating enabling environments — by building roads, providing electricity, and ensuring healthcare — to win back communities.
With Naxalism on the back foot and development advancing, officials believe this is just the beginning. Future plans include:
- Establishing schools and digital classrooms
- Launching entrepreneurship programs for women
- Creating employment opportunities through local industries
Why Chilkapalli Matters
The story of Chilkapalli is more than just a local success—it’s a model for inclusive growth in regions once written off as “disturbed” or “unreachable.” It shows that when the state listens, invests, and persists, even the most neglected corners of the country can shine.
As bulbs light up homes for the first time, as villagers access clean water and healthcare, and as hope replaces fear—Chilkapalli stands as a beacon of what’s possible when governance meets resolve
