Sukma (Chhattisgarh) [India], February 12 (HBTV): Jagargunda in Chhattisgarh’s Sukma district, once known as Asia’s prominent tamarind market, is witnessing renewed economic activity with the opening of a nationalised bank branch after years of Naxal violence.
A branch of Indian Overseas Bank has been established in Jagargunda with the support of the state government. The area had remained under Naxal influence for several decades. The reopening of banking services marks a shift in the region’s development trajectory.
In 2002, Naxals had blown up the operational bank in Jagargunda and looted cash. The damaged vault from that incident still remains at the site.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said that after the Bharatiya Janata Party formed the government in the state, intensified action against Naxalism led to visible changes on the ground, including the reopening of the bank.
‘Jagargunda was famous for its tamarind market, and the bank there was blown up by Naxalites. But now a bank has been re-established there. Earlier, people had to travel 60-70 kilometres to Bijapur, Sukma or Dantewada for banking facilities. Now, with the opening of the bank in Jagargunda, about 600 people have already opened accounts and are receiving banking services,’ the Chief Minister said.
Bastar Range Inspector-General of Police Sundarraj P said that sustained anti-Naxal operations along with developmental initiatives in the Bastar division remain a priority.
‘Continuous and extensive anti-Naxal operations to eliminate Naxalism, coupled with developmental works in the Bastar division, are the priority. In this sequence, banking facilities are being made available to the public in Jagargunda and other interior areas,’ he said.
He added that restoration of banking services would help create a conducive environment for reviving the tamarind market and strengthening trade, commerce, education and healthcare.
‘With the restoration of banking facilities, efforts are being made to create a positive environment for the revival of the tamarind market as well as trade, commerce, education and healthcare services. Access to banking facilities can provide better opportunities for employment and economic development, especially for the youth,’ he said.
Assistant Manager of the bank, Shankar, said more than 600 accounts have already been opened. He noted that there is no other bank within a 50-kilometre radius and that residents from 14 villages visit the branch for services.
‘People from 14 villages come here to open accounts. Some villages are very remote, so we visit them to raise awareness and help people open accounts. With the opening of the branch, people are receiving benefits of government schemes directly into their accounts. We have received strong support from the government. We are continuously encouraging people to use banking services,’ he said.
Jagargunda Sarpanch Nitya Kosma said that two decades ago, residents faced severe hardships due to the absence of basic facilities.
‘Life here was extremely difficult. There was no education, no hospital and no ration shop. People had to travel 60-70 kilometres even for ration. Jagargunda had high Naxalite influence in the district. In 2002, Maoists looted the bank here. The influence was very strong,’ she said.
She added that earlier, people had to travel long distances, sometimes up to 150 kilometres, to access banking services. With the opening of the branch, villagers are now receiving benefits of schemes such as the Mahtari Vandan Yojana and other government programmes directly in their accounts.
(ANI)