In the heart of India's Balaghat district lies a village called Chukka Tola. This village has a special story to tell, one that's all about transformation and hope. Just a few years ago, Chukka Tola was considered a Maoist stronghold, but today it's the center of attention for a unique counter-insurgency model that's all about education.

The key to this remarkable shift is an initiative called Vidyanjali. It's a program that focuses on restoring neglected primary schools in remote tribal areas. These schools had fallen into disrepair over the years, leaving kids disconnected from formal education. The authorities realized that rebuilding these schools was crucial, not just for the kids, but also for the community as a whole.

The approach is innovative. Instead of relying on conventional policing tactics, the program encourages police personnel to contribute their physical labor, or shramdaan, to repair infrastructure. This not only cuts costs but also helps build trust within the community. The idea behind Vidyanjali emerged from ground-level intelligence that showed a clear pattern: regions with extremist influence often lacked basic educational infrastructure.

What started as a small pilot project in a single school in Chukka Tola has now expanded across the district. So far, around 250 schools have been renovated, surpassing the initial goal of upgrading 100 schools by early 2026. Each school has been restored at an average cost of around Rs 1.2 lakh, significantly lower than traditional construction models thanks to voluntary labor and community participation.

The changes on the ground are stunning. Schools that once had crumbling walls, broken furniture, and unsafe facilities have been transformed into clean, functional learning spaces. Fresh paint, proper desks, improved lighting, and teaching aids have replaced decay. Essential amenities like safe kitchens, clean toilets, drinking water, and electrification have also been prioritized, creating a conducive learning environment.