Raipur: In the rugged terrain of Chhattisgarh's tribal-dominated Dantewada district, a remarkable story of transformation unfolded under the leadership of District Collector Vinit Nandawar. The officer brought about change in a region that faced numerous development challenges.

Dantewada, with a predominantly Scheduled Tribe (ST) population, grappled with various issues, from malnutrition to high illiteracy rates. Land disputes, outdated revenue records, and a lack of awareness about government policies further hindered progress. The prevailing sense of isolation from government aid only compounded the difficulties.

Vinit Nandawar introduced a groundbreaking initiative known as "Nidaan Shivir," or Diagnostic Camp, to bridge the gap between the local community and the government. Nidaan Shivir required meticulous preparation, ensuring that villages with ongoing land disputes were identified, and that the caste certificates of all school-going children were in order. Gathering grievances and concerns from the villagers was a pivotal step, with a commitment from the administration to address each issue proactively.

On designated days, all district officials descended upon the village, ready to engage with the community. The District Collector played a central role, carefully reviewing the performance of each department. Encouraging community feedback, the administration pledged to take action against any underperforming staff.

The Revenue Department was tasked with resolving land disputes with unwavering determination. Issues like mutation, partition, and demarcation were addressed, and every revenue record was meticulously scrutinized.

A similar strategy was applied to the issuance of caste certificates. The education department facilitated application submissions, with schools assisting students in completing the forms. The revenue office was responsible for issuing certificates, which were hand-delivered to the beneficiaries after being laminated for longevity.

Various departments, including social welfare and health, were directed to meet the entitlement demands of the community, covering pensions, medical supplies, and food distribution.

The results of this initiative were nothing short of remarkable. Even before the Nidaan Shivir camps, field staff actively resolved issues, and B1 vachan proceeded at an unprecedented pace. The education department proactively issued caste certificates, while other departments diligently completed their tasks. The community actively participated and provided feedback during the Nidaan Shivir camps.

In the span of a year, over 20,000 caste certificates were issued, and 50 villages were declared "Rajswa Vivad-Mukt," free from revenue conflicts. 1,369 land dispute cases were resolved, marking a significant step towards a harmonious community.

The success of Nidaan Shivir can be attributed to the dedication of District Collector Vinit Nandawar. He went above and beyond, traveling to the most remote and inaccessible villages to engage directly with the community. His acts of compassion and commitment built trust among the villagers, as they witnessed a civil servant genuinely invested in their well-being.

The innovative model of Nidan Shivir breathed new life into Dantewada, offering a glimmer of hope for regions grappling with similar challenges. Under Vinit Nandawar's leadership, Dantewada embarked on a transformative journey towards prosperity, one rooted in inclusivity and community participation.