Union Minister of State for Communications and Rural Development, Dr Pemmasani Chandra Shekhar, reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to fast-tracking development in the left-wing extremism-affected Narayanpur district during his official visit under the Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP).
Describing Aspirational Districts as “engines of transformation,” he called for convergence-driven governance and saturation of welfare schemes across the region.
“Narayanpur is not just a district on the map — it’s a priority in our national development journey,” said Dr Pemmasani, while reviewing progress across key ADP sectors, including health, education, infrastructure, financial inclusion, and livelihoods.
The Minister began his visit with a tree plantation drive at Khadka village under the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam initiative. Warmly received by members of the tribal community with traditional music and dance, Dr Pemmasani emphasized the importance of preserving indigenous culture while enabling inclusive development.
A detailed review meeting followed, where the Minister stressed the importance of data-driven decision-making, interdepartmental coordination, and time-bound implementation.
Highlighting a holistic approach to internal security, he stated, “Under the ‘Naxal-Mukt Bharat Abhiyan,’ Narayanpur is moving towards becoming Naxal-free by March 31, 2026. Development, trust, and community participation are central to lasting peace.”
Dr Pemmasani also inspected a newly constructed PMGSY road in Khadka and interacted with beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana–Gramin (PMAY-G), including a visit to the home of Smt. Parvati Potai. He praised the convergence of schemes like MGNREGA in providing stable and dignified housing.
At the Garanji Education Hub, he lauded the Pariyana initiative, which offers free JEE/NEET coaching to tribal students from the Abujhmad region. He also visited a residential hostel for children with special needs, commending efforts under the Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan to create inclusive learning environments.
Dr Pemmasani’s visit reaffirmed the Government of India’s strategic focus on Aspirational Districts through a model of empathetic, accountable, and inclusive governance — blending infrastructure development with human and institutional capacity building in some of the nation’s most challenging regions.