Raipur: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday paused during discussions on security, welfare and governance in Bastar to taste locally processed tamarind at a self-help group unit in Netanar — and declared with a smile that Bastar's imli was "not sour, but sweet."
Visit to Shaheed Veer Gundadhur Jan Suvidha Kendra
The moment came during Shah's visit to the newly launched Shaheed Veer Gundadhur jan suvidha kendra. At the tamarind processing centre run by women's self-help groups, Shah interacted with tribal women undergoing training in pulp production and asked them about their income and work process.
Empowerment Through Tamarind Processing
Lambi Nag, one of the women associated with the group, told Shah that members are now expected to earn up to Rs 1 lakh annually through tamarind processing and value addition activities. The home minister appreciated the efforts and encouraged the women to continue their entrepreneurial journey.
Aadhaar Facility Reaches Villages
Shah met another local resident Sukhdevi, who had just obtained an Aadhaar card for her five-month-old daughter Padma. She told the home minister that earlier villagers had to walk nearly 10 km to Nangur for Aadhaar-related work, but now she is glad facilities such as new Aadhaar registration would be available inside the village itself. This development is part of the government's push to deliver essential services at the doorstep.
Traditional Paddy Processing Training
At another unit, Shah interacted with women at a traditional paddy-processing training centre where villagers are being trained in rice processing and related livelihood activities. Officials explained that apart from increasing income through rice sales, the rice husk generated during processing would also be used as nutritious cattle feed. This integrated approach aims to boost rural economy and reduce waste.
The visit underscored the government's focus on empowering women through self-help groups and improving access to basic amenities in remote areas. Shah's engagement with the local community highlighted the positive impact of such initiatives on the lives of tribal populations.
