In Bijapur, tractors now deliver hope, along with rations

Time of India

a day ago

Raipur: In the remote, Naxal-affected district of Bijapur in Chhattisgarh, a quiet revolution in ration distribution is changing the lives of thousands. For decades, villagers in this rugged terrain faced the daunting challenge of traveling long distances to collect their rations.
Previously, villages like Pidiya, located in one of the most difficult parts of the district, saw residents trek up to 25 kilometers to the nearest fair price shop in Gangalur region to collect their rations. The long journey often meant hours of hardship, especially for the elderly, women, and children. But now, the delivery of ration through tractors to 24 fair price shops across the district has eliminated the need for these exhausting treks.
The system underwent a transformation under 'Niyad Nellanar Scheme', which aims at providing food to people in even the most inaccessible areas.
The new system directly benefits 52 villages in the area. In Dumripalanar, for instance, 66 ration cardholders no longer have to travel 15 kilometers to get their rations, as it is now being delivered right to their doorstep. Similarly, in Bada Kakled, 277 families are no longer burdened with long-distance travel, as ration distribution has been localized.
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This shift is about convenience which the villagers never imagine amid darkness of violence and is a game-changer in terms of security for these communities, officials said.
Villagers like Lakhmi Oyam and Badru Oyam, who once spent up to five hours to fetch their ration, are now witnessing the benefits of this new delivery system. "Now, rice is brought to our village by tractor. This is a huge relief for us," said Lakhmi Oyam, a local resident.
The facility has made a significant impact beyond just the ration distribution.
Bijapur collector Sambit Mishra said that the administration is also working on establishment of 12 new govt-run Fair Price Shops in the district, seven of which are already operational. These new shops in remote villages like Kawadgaon, Burji, Padera, Chilkappalli, Puskontha, Chutwahi, and Todka are ensuring that villagers no longer have to endure long journeys for essential supplies. The construction of the remaining five shops is well underway.
There is an air of belief, hope and trust among villagers who once opposed and objected setting up of security camps but now believe that they are for them, officials said.