Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired the 26th Central Zonal Council meeting held in Jagdalpur on Tuesday, signalling a key administrative initiative in the Bastar region.
The council convened in Bastar for the first time, underscoring the region’s rising prominence in policy discussions.
Chief Ministers Vishnu Deo Sai, Mohan Yadav, Yogi Adityanath, and Pushkar Singh Dhami joined the meeting and contributed to the discussions. They focused on enhancing cooperation between the Centre and the states on key governance issues.
Participants explored ways to speed up development, strengthen law and order, and address inter-state matters. They also reviewed progress on infrastructure projects involving roads, railways and telecom networks.
The discussions included welfare initiatives for tribal populations, particularly in the areas of healthcare, education and employment opportunities.
The meeting placed strong emphasis on improving security conditions and eliminating the remaining influence of Naxalism in the region.
Members highlighted the importance of better coordination among states for crime control, intelligence exchange and maintaining peace.
Officials assessed measures to settle inter-state disputes while also working to improve power supply and water management systems. Internal security issues remained central to the agenda.
Authorities also evaluated strategies for Maoist-affected regions, combining stronger security frameworks with development-driven approaches.
Participants stressed the urgency of taking effective steps to ensure women’s safety, particularly in tackling crimes and violence against them.
The state government continues to position Bastar as a region moving beyond its past challenges. It is focusing on tourism, investment and rapid progress in the area.
Holding the meeting in a former Maoist-affected area symbolises a shift from conflict to development and stability.
Improved security and closer coordination between the Centre and states aim to deliver concrete benefits to local communities and create a sustainable development framework for Bastar.
Observers view the successful conduct of the meeting as progress towards fulfilling long-standing regional aspirations.
Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan and Intelligence Bureau Director Tapan Kumar Deka, along with Directors General of Police and senior administrative officials from participating states, remained present during the meeting.
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