On 28 September 2025, Dr. Rashmi Choudhary, Assistant Commissioner, National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS), New Delhi, visited the remote Paatalkot valley in Chhindwara district and inaugurated a much-awaited health care centre for tribal communities. This is a landmark step towards ensuring last-mile delivery of government services. The Paatalkot valley in the Tamia block is home to Gond and Bharia tribes, classified as Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). For decades, its 12 scattered villages with nearly 4,000 residents remained cut off from basic amenities, forcing villagers to rely on steep trails for movement and to travel long distances for healthcare. Under central initiatives such as the Pradhan Mantri Janman Yojana, Dharti Abba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan, and Aadi Karmayogi Abhiyan, significant progress has been made in roads, housing, drinking water, electricity, and education. During her interaction with villagers at Sindhouli and Rated, Dr. Choudhary noted grievances about the non-functional Ayushman Arogya Kendra. On 27 September 2025, the centre was inaugurated and opened for public use. Shri. Ajeet Srivastava, Commissioner, NESTS and State Prabhari Officer for Madhya Pradesh, has been actively monitoring the activities under the Aadi Karmayogi Abhiyan and guiding their effective implementation.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Tribal Affairs: The central ministry responsible for the welfare of tribal communities.
Aadi Karmayogi Abhiyan: An initiative focused on improving infrastructure and services (roads, schools, healthcare) in tribal areas.
Paatalkot: A remote tribal valley in Chhindwara district, Madhya Pradesh, the focus of the developments described.
Pradhan Mantri Janman Yojana: One of the central initiatives to provide basic amenities to tribal communities.
Dharti Abba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan: One of the central initiatives to provide basic amenities to tribal communities.
Ministry of Tribal Affairs
Healthcare Reaches Paatalkot: Delhi Official
Inaugurates First Health Centre in Remote Tribal
Valley
Last-Mile Delivery in Action: Aadi Karmayogi Abhiyan
Brings Roads, Schools, and Now Healthcare to
Paatalkot
From Isolation to Inclusion: Paatalkot Tribals Witness
Historic Development Milestone
Posted On: 28 SEP 2025 1:28PM by PIB Delhi
In a landmark step towards ensuring last-mile delivery of government services, Dr. Rashmi Choudhary,
Assistant Commissioner, National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS), New Delhi, visited
the remote Paatalkot valley in Chhindwara district and inaugurated a much-awaited health care centre for
tribal communities.Paatalkot—a deep and mystical valley in the Tamia block—has long been home to Gond and Bharia tribes,
classified as Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). For decades, its 12 scattered villages with nearly
4,000 residents remained cut off from basic amenities, forcing villagers to rely on steep trails for movement
and to travel long distances for healthcare.
Under central initiatives such as the Pradhan Mantri Janman Yojana, Dharti Abba Janjatiya Gram
Utkarsh Abhiyan, and Aadi Karmayogi Abhiyan, significant progress has been made in roads, housing,
drinking water, electricity, and education. Children from Paatalkot now study at the Eklavya Residential
School in Tamia, while homestay projects in Chimtipur have opened new livelihood avenues through tourism.
However, healthcare remained a pressing concern. During her interaction with villagers at Sindhouli and
Rated, Dr. Choudhary noted grievances about the non-functional Ayushman Arogya Kendra, despite the
building being ready. Responding immediately, she directed health officials to commence services without
delay. The same evening, on 27 September 2025, the centre was inaugurated and opened for public use.“This is a historic day for Paatalkot. For the first time, our people will not have to walk miles for basic
medical needs,” said a villager from Sindhouli. Health authorities confirmed that staff and essential facilities
are now operational.
The development is being hailed as a turning point in Paatalkot’s journey from deprivation to
empowerment, showcasing the government’s commitment to reaching the most remote corners with essential
services.Shri. Ajeet Srivastava, Commissioner, NESTS and State Prabhari Officer for Madhya Pradesh, has been
actively monitoring the activities under the Aadi Karmayogi Abhiyan and guiding their effective
implementation.
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(Release ID: 2172396)