Bastar Launches Café Run by Surrendered Naxalites; CM Sai Places First Order at Inauguration

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai inaugurated the café on 17 November at the Jagdalpur Police Line campus. During the event, he placed the café’s first food order, which was served by the trained surrendered Naxalites. He completed his meal with a digital payment.

Café established inside Jagdalpur Police Line campus

The café has been set up under the state’s rehabilitation policy, with support from Bastar Police and the district administration. The government financed the construction of the café’s infrastructure.

The project aims to create livelihood opportunities for families impacted by Naxal violence and for former Naxalites who have reintegrated into mainstream society. All 13 trained individuals have been entrusted with day-to-day operations.

Employment for 13 people

In total, 13 people ,eight victims of Naxal violence and five surrendered Naxalites, including eight women have gained employment through the initiative.

As part of the rehabilitation effort, the café serves as a model for sustainable livelihood generation for conflict-affected families and reformed Maoist cadres.

Training provided ahead of café operations

The selected group underwent over a month of training in Jagdalpur, learning food preparation, service etiquette, customer interaction, and order management. Once they were deemed fully prepared, they were handed the café keys.

CM Sai: “A new beginning for Bastar”

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said that Pandrum Café has been established with strong social and developmental objectives and marks a new beginning for the Bastar region. He emphasized that the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to peace, development, and humane rehabilitation.

IG Sundarraj P.: Diverse skill training imparted

Bastar IG Sundarraj P. noted that individuals formerly affected by conflict or associated with Maoist activities have been trained in hospitality, café operations, hygiene, food safety, customer service, and entrepreneurshipskills that will help them build long-term careers and self-reliance.

He added that the name Pandrum draws inspiration from Bastar’s cultural roots, and its tagline, “Where every cup tells a story,” reflects the region’s resilience, healing, and hope. He described the café as a scalable model for peacebuilding.