First-of-its-kind initiative in Bastar division converts former security camp into hostel for tribal students
Former security camp now provides safe accommodation and easier access to education for children from remote villages
A former security camp in Bhatpal, Narayanpur district, which remained in operation for nearly 15 years, is now serving as a hostel and education centre for children from remote tribal villages.
The initiative, the first of its kind in the Bastar division, has created residential facilities for tribal students who come from distant and difficult-to-reach areas to pursue their education.
The move is part of wider efforts in Abujhmad to improve access to education, healthcare, roads, livelihoods and opportunities for the younger generation.
From security priority to education
Located around 25 km from Narayanpur district headquarters, the Bhatpal campus was vacated after the security situation in the area changed. The district administration subsequently decided to put the facility to educational use. On the initiative of Collector Smt. Namrata Jain, the former camp was converted into a hostel for tribal students. For many of them, long distances and the lack of accommodation near schools had made it difficult to continue their studies regularly. Residential facilities became operational on August 11, 2026.
Accommodation for students from Classes 6 to 12
Two Scheduled Tribe boys’ hostels are currently operating on the campus. The Pre-Matric Scheduled Tribe Boys’ Hostel has 100 sanctioned seats for students from Classes 6 to 10 and currently houses 114 students. The Post-Matric Scheduled Tribe Boys’ Hostel has 50 sanctioned seats for students of Classes 11 and 12, with 39 students currently residing there. It also meets the accommodation needs of students associated with Education City, Kutul.
The post-matric facility is particularly useful for students who earlier had to arrange private accommodation near their school after Class 10, adding to their families’ expenses. The hostel provides them with accommodation and a suitable setting for their studies.
School just 50 metres away
For students from distant villages, travel and accommodation can be as much of a challenge as access to a school. At Bhatpal, the Government Higher Secondary School is just 50 metres from the hostel. The proximity allows students to avoid long daily journeys and gives them more time for their studies. With accommodation available from the pre-matric to post-matric levels, the administration is also seeking to help students continue their education through higher classes.
Students find it easier to focus on studies
For the students staying at the hostel, the new arrangement has eased some of the practical difficulties of pursuing education away from home. Class 9 student Ritesh Soni of Halamimunjmeta said the students are happy with the new campus. The safe surroundings, proximity to school and opportunity to study with peers have made their daily routine easier.
Komendra, a Class 12 student from Rajbeda, earlier had to arrange accommodation near his school, located around 22 km from his village. This also added to his family’s expenses. The hostel has now provided him with a secure place to stay while he continues his studies.
Collector reviews hostel facilities
Collector Smt. Namrata Jain conducted a surprise inspection of the hostel, reviewing the rooms, food arrangements, sanitation and other basic facilities. She also interacted with the students and heard their requirements and concerns.
She assured the students that necessary arrangements would be made to address their genuine needs and urged them to maintain cleanliness in the hostel and their rooms.
During the inspection, the Collector also visited the kitchen and checked the food being prepared for the students. She reviewed the quality of rice and vegetables and directed the staff to maintain hygiene and serve breakfast and meals according to the prescribed menu.
A new chapter for Bhatpal
The Bhatpal campus now serves a very different purpose. Students in school uniforms move between their hostel and classroom, while the facility provides them with a place to live as they continue their education.
The initiative also reflects the administration’s effort to use existing infrastructure to address local needs. At Bhatpal, a facility that once served one purpose has been adapted to support the education of the next generation.