60 districts in India freed from Maoist violence in last 5 years

      Raipur, December 05, 2024: In the last five years of Narendra Modi government as many as 60 districts have been freed from the Maoists activities, official sources said today, adding two districts from Chhattisgarh are figured in the Central list.

     During the last five years, 60 districts have been freed from the menace of Left-Wing Extremism. Currently there are only 38 districts affected by Left Wing Extremism (LWE) in the country, the sources said.

     Balod and Balrampur districts have also been freed from Maoists violence in Chhattisgarh.

     Giving details of the measures, the officials said, as per the Constitution Police and Public Order are with the State Governments. However, the Government of India (GoI) has been supplementing the efforts of States affected by Left Wing Extremism (LWE).

     To address the LWE problem holistically, a “National Policy and Action Plan to address LWE” was approved in 2015. It envisages a multi-prolonged strategy involving security related measures, development interventions, ensuing rights and entitlements of local communities etc.

      While on security front, the GoI assists the LWE affected States by providing Central Armed Police battalions, training and funds for modernization of State police forces, equipment and arms, sharing of intelligence, construction of Fortified Police Stations etc;

     On development side, apart from flagship schemes, Centre has taken several specific initiatives in LWE affected States, with special thrust on expansion of road network, improving telecommunication connectivity, skilling and financial inclusion.

     During the last 05 years between 2019-20 to 2023-24 Rs. 4350.78 crore have been released for capacity building of the LWE affected states under the Special Infrastructure Scheme (SIS), Security Related Expenditure (SRE) and Special Central Assistance (SCA) schemes.

     Further, Rs. 560.22 crore have been given to Central Agencies during the last 05 years (2019-20 to 2023-24) for helicopters and addressing critical infrastructure in security camps in LWE affected areas, under Assistance to Central Agencies for LWE Management (ACALWEM) Scheme. 

     On development front, several specific initiatives have been taken which include following:

For expansion of road network, 14529 km roads have been constructed so far in LWE affected areas.

     To improve telecom connectivity, 6524 towers have been commissioned.

     For financial inclusion of the local population in the LWE affected districts, 5731 Post Offices have been opened. Further, 1007 Bank Branches and 937 ATMs have been opened in 30 Most LWE Affected Districts.

     For skill development 46 ITIs and 49 Skill Development Centers (SDCs) have been made functional in LWE affected districts.

     For quality education in tribals in LWE affected districts 178 Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs) have been functional in LWE affected districts.

     Under Civic Action Programme, Central Armed Police Forces (CRPF, BSF, SSB and ITBP) deployed in LWE affected areas undertake various civic activities for welfare of the local people and to wean away the youth from the influence of the Maoists.

     Tribal Youth Exchange Programs (TYEPs) are being organized through Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS) for outreaching tribal youth of LWE affected districts.

     Due to resolute implementation of the Policy, the LWE scenario has improved significantly both in terms of reduced violence and constriction of geographical spread. The number of LWE related violent incidents have come down by 73% in 2023 in comparison of 2010.

     The number of resultant deaths (Security Forces + Civilians) have also reduced to 138 in 2023 from 1005 in 2010, a reduction of 86%. Due to improved LWE scenario, the number of LWE affected districts have reduced from 126 to 90 in April 2018, to 70 in July 2021 and further to 38 districts in April 2024, the sources said.