Raipur. The pace of development in the Naxal-affected Bastar region is now accelerating. Following the formation of the government, the expansion of banking facilities has gained new momentum. In this context, a new Bank of Baroda branch was virtually inaugurated in Tarrem village, Usur block, Bijapur district. Finance Minister OP Choudhary joined the online inauguration. This is the 31st bank branch to open in the Bastar division in the last two and a half years.

Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai described this as a significant achievement towards good governance and inclusive development. He said that the expansion of banking services will provide opportunities for tribal and rural families to become economically empowered, and will also help youth and women engage in self-employment.

Finance Minister O.P. Choudhary stated that providing banking facilities in remote and Naxal-affected areas is a priority for the government. With the opening of the bank in Tarrem, people will no longer have to travel far for banking purposes, and benefits from various schemes will be credited directly to their accounts. This will promote transparency and financial inclusion.

He also said that Bastar is now moving towards transformation. Where banking facilities once lacked, banks are now reaching every village. In areas like Jagargunda, previously prone to Naxalite attacks, the opening of bank branches presents a new picture of development and trust.

Over the past two and a half years, several national and private bank branches have opened in various districts of Bastar—Bijapur, Dantewada, Kanker, Kondagaon, Narayanpur, and Sukma. This is not only providing banking services to local people but also boosting economic activity in the region.

The villagers expressed their delight at this initiative, saying they no longer have to travel far for small tasks. This transformation taking place in Bastar could prove to be a strong foundation for self-reliance and overall development in the future.