To address the Left Wing Extremism (LWE) problem holistically, a “National Policy and Action Plan” was approved in 2015. It envisages a multi-pronged strategy involving security related measures, development interventions, ensuring rights and entitlements of local communities etc. While  on  the  security front, the Government of India (GoI) assists the LWE affected States by providing Central Armed Police Forces, training & funds for modernization of State police forces, arms & equipment, sharing of intelligence, construction of Fortified Police Stations etc.; on the development side, apart from flagship schemes, GoI has taken several specific initiatives in LWE affected States, with special thrust on expansion of road network, improving telecommunication connectivity, skilling and financial inclusion.         

Choking of funds is an important part of the overall strategy for elimination of LWE. Synergized efforts by Central and State agencies are being implemented to ensure cutting of sources of funding to the LWE.  

          Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has put in concerted efforts to synergize efforts against LWE both at the central level as well as between the affected states.  During the last 05 years (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 the Assistance to Central Agencies for LWE Management (ACALWEM) Scheme. 

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

•        For expansion of road network, 14469 km roads have been constructed so far in LWE affected areas.

•        To improve telecom connectivity, 6567 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 to 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 enhancing our outreach to the tribal youth of LWE affected districts.

   Resolute implementation of the ‘National Policy and Action Plan to Address Left Wing Extremism (LWE)’ both by the Centre and the States has resulted in a consistent decline in LWE both in terms of geographical spread and violence.

There has been a progressive decline in the number of districts affected by LWE.   In view of the consistently improving situation, three review of LWE affected districts have been undertaken in the last six years with reduction from 126 to 90 districts in April 2018, further to 70 in July 2021 and then to 38 in April 2024.

          LWE related violence has reduced by 73% in 2023 in comparison to the high levels of 2010.  Resultant deaths (Civilians + Security Forces) have also reduced by 86% during the same period.  In the current year (up to 15.11.2024), there has been a further reduction of 25% in LWE perpetrated incidents of violence as compared to the corresponding period of 2023.

   The details of incidents of LWE violence during the past five years, district wise are placed at Annexure.        

     This was stated by the Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Nityanand Rai in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha.

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  RK/VV/ASH/RR/PR/PS/1829