Status of Naxalism in the Country

Key Highlights:

• India has significantly reduced Left Wing Extremism (LWE), with the number of affected districts decreasing from 126 to 38 by April 2024, and projected to be "zero" by March/April 2026.
• This achievement is attributed to the National Policy and Action Plan to address LWE (2015) and a Whole of Government approach.
• The strategy involves a multi-pronged approach focusing on security measures, development interventions, and ensuring rights of local communities.
• Government of India supplements State efforts through financial assistance, deployment of Central Armed Police Forces, and modernization of police forces.
• Post-LWE focus includes saturation of welfare programs, strengthening local self-governance, and rehabilitation of surrendered cadres.

Detailed Insights:

• Police and Public Order are State subjects, but the GoI supplements efforts in LWE-affected states.
• 37 districts are now categorized as 'Legacy & Thrust' districts, requiring continued support despite being LWE-free.
• Security measures include providing Central Armed Police Forces, raising India Reserve Battalions, helicopter support, and strengthening security infrastructure.
• Under the Security Related Expenditure (SRE) scheme, ₹3805.04 crore has been released since 2014-15 for operational expenses, training, and rehabilitation.
• The Surrender-cum-Rehabilitation Policy offers ₹5 lakhs for higher-ranked LWE cadres and ₹2.5 lakhs for others, plus vocational training with a monthly stipend.
• The Modernization of Police Forces scheme, including the Special Infrastructure Scheme (SIS), has sanctioned ₹1761 crore for strengthening state forces and building 663 fortified police stations.
• Assistance to Central Agencies for LWE Management (ACALWEMS) provides funds for camp infrastructure and helicopters, totaling ₹1303.68 crore since 2014-15.
• Efforts to financially choke LWE groups have involved coordinated actions by State Police and Central agencies.
• Development initiatives include constructing 15,189 km of roads under Road Requirement Plan (RRP) and Road Connectivity Project for LWE Affected Areas (RCPLWEA).
• Telecommunication connectivity has been improved with 9,497 new towers in erstwhile LWE areas.
• 47 Industrial Training Institutes (ITI) and 49 Skill Development Centres (SDC) have been opened for skill development.
• 179 Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) are functional for quality education in tribal areas.
• Financial inclusion has expanded with 6,025 Post Offices with banking services, 1804 Bank Branches, and 1321 ATMs.
• Security camps in LWE-free areas are being converted into Jan Suvidha Kendras, with the first being the Shaheed Veer Gundadhur Seva Dera Kendra in Chhattisgarh.
• Special Central Assistance (SCA) scheme has released ₹4289.20 crore since 2017 for critical infrastructure gaps.
• Over 21 lakh title deeds have been distributed to beneficiaries to ensure rights and entitlements of local communities.
• The Tribal Youth Exchange Programme (TYEP) has engaged 37,655 tribal youths since 2014, promoting national integration and exposure.
• The Civic Action Programme provides funds to CAPFs for welfare activities, bridging the gap between security forces and local populations.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Left Wing Extremism (LWE): A major internal security threat characterized by Naxalite-Maoist insurgency, primarily in central and eastern India.
• National Policy and Action Plan to address LWE: A comprehensive strategy approved in 2015 focusing on security, development, and rights to counter LWE.
• Whole of Government approach: A collaborative strategy involving coordinated efforts from various government ministries, departments, and state governments to achieve a common goal.