It was indeed a special day for Chhattisgarh and Indian democracy as tribes residing in the remote areas of Bijapur district in the State, received their identity cards for the first time since Independence.

A total of 233 tribals of Gampur, a distant village which is 380 kilometres from Raipur, the State capital got their Voter ID cards for the first time. For the administrative staff to reach out to these tribals in this remote area was not dangerous but also difficult. This is because they are illiterate and don’t have a mobile or Aadhar card.

Rajendra Katara, the Bijapur Collector who was happy with this development told the media that these tribals now after receiving their voters ID cards can exercise their right to franchise. In order to reach out to such distant habitats which are under the influence of Maoists, the administration organised camps at places like local haats or bazaars where people gather in large numbers.

With the IDs issued by the Election Commission, these tribals will be able to vote in the coming Assembly polls which are due later this year. Apart from Voter ID, the Administration also issued to the tribals Aadhaar, ration, Ayushman and labour cards.

Going beyond this achievement, the Bijapur district administration wants to connect with many such other village where residents don’t have Voter IDs. It could be due to lack of identity proof or due to influence of left-wing extremists.

All these efforts are being made to counter the challenge of Maoists who call for boycott of polls.