Defying all odds, the schools of Konta block, in one of the worst areas in Maoist-affected Sukma district of Chhattisgarh, have reopened after 15 long years.

On the special initiative of Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel and efforts made by the Chhattisgarh government, schools reopening in Naxalite hubs over the last three years have proved to be a great success, an official communication said on Wednesday.

The local administration has taken up the initiative of reopening schools with the help of villagers to connect extremely sensitive areas with the mainstream through education.

A total of 123 schools were shut in the development block 15 years back amid a surge in Maoist activities.

This includes 100 primary and 22 middle schools and 1 high school. A dozen of school buildings in the interiors were demolished by the Maoists to prevent the security forces from taking over them.

Now, huts have been constructed by the district administration with the help of villagers to rung these schools. A provision of Rs 40,000 has been made to build temporary shelters for each school.

Besides, constant efforts are being made by the administration to ensure that there is no shortage of educational facilities for children who were deprived of education for more than 15 years.

Meanwhile, the work of constructing ‘pucca’ school buildings has started. As a part of this, over 45 school buildings have been built in the first phase and work is in progress in the remaining 49 school buildings.

As the Maoist violence has waned, schools are being run again in the sensitive areas of Chintalnar and Jagargunda. There is great enthusiasm among students to attend classes after a long gap.

Local educated unemployed youth were identified and offered teaching jobs.