A former security camp in Bastar now serves as a hostel for tribal school children

This is the first such initiative in Bastar division, where a former security camp has been converted for educational and hostel purposes, Narayanpur Collector said. | Photo credit: Special arrangement

Not long ago, there was a security camp in Bhatpal, a remote area in the Narayanpur district of the Bastar region of Chhattisgarh. As the security situation improved, the campus, which housed security personnel deployed in the insurgency-hit region for over 15 years, found a new identity as a residential facility for over 150 tribal school boys.

This is the first such initiative in Bastar division, where a former security camp has been converted for education and hostels, said Narayanpur Collector Namrata Jain, “marking a shift from security-focused infrastructure to facilities focused on education and the future of children in the region”.

The campus has been serving as a residential facility since August 11 this year, a month after the Union government declared India free from left-wing extremism, and has two sections, the first hostel for pre-matriculation tribal boys and the second for post-matriculation students. The former, which is meant for students of classes 6 to 10, has a sanctioned capacity of 100 boys and currently accommodates 114 students, according to a statement from the district administration. The boys’ hostel for 11th and 12th grade boys after the matriculation examination has a sanctioned capacity of 50 students and currently accommodates 39 students. Hostels meet the housing requirements of students from Education City, Kutul.

Komendra, a Class 12 student from Rajbeda, located about 22 km from here, said the opening of the hostel after the final examination gave him significant relief. Previously, he had to stay outside the school premises and incur additional expenses for accommodation. The hostel has now provided him with safe and affordable housing close to his school.

The aim was to address one of the key challenges faced by children from remote and hard-to-reach areas – safe accommodation near a school for boys like Komendra, Ms Jain said.

“The transformation reflects changing development priorities in areas that have historically faced challenges related to security, connectivity and access to basic services. As the region moves into a new phase of development, existing infrastructure is increasingly being used to enhance education, social development and opportunities for local communities,” said Ms Jain.

Published – 04 Oct 2026 22:50 IST