Maoist violence drops by 73% since 2010

New Delhi, Dec 10: The Ministry of Home Affairs announced progress in addressing Left-Wing Extremism (LWE), with incidents of violence and geographical spread showing a steady decline. Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai, informed the Lok Sabha that LWE-related violence dropped by 73% in 2023 compared to the peak levels of 2010, and resultant deaths reduced by 86% during the same period.

“In 2024, up to November 15, there has been a further 25% reduction in LWE-related violence compared to the corresponding period in 2023,” Nityanand Rai stated.

The number of districts impacted by LWE has declined from 126 in 2018 to 38 in 2024, following three reviews in the past six years. This improvement reflects the success of the “National Policy and Action Plan to Address LWE” introduced in 2015.

The National Policy adopts a multi-pronged approach, integrating security measures, development interventions, and the protection of local communities’ rights. On the security front, the Centre has provided support through Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), modernising state police forces, building fortified police stations, and intelligence-sharing.

Over the last five years, Rs. 4,350.78 crore have been allocated to LWE-affected states under schemes like the Special Infrastructure Scheme (SIS), Security Related Expenditure (SRE), and Special Central Assistance (SCA). Additionally, Rs. 560.22 crore was granted to central agencies for helicopters and infrastructure development under the Assistance to Central Agencies for LWE Management (ACALWEM) scheme.

To address socio-economic challenges in LWE-affected areas, the government has made significant investments in infrastructure, financial inclusion, and education: 14,469 km of roads have been built in LWE-affected area; 6,567 telecom towers have been installed; 5,731 post offices, 1,007 bank branches, and 937 ATMs have been established in 30 of the most LWE-affected districts State home minister said.

In addition, 46 Industrial Training Institutes and 49 Skill Development Centers are now operational. 178 Eklavya Model Residential Schools have been established to provide quality education to tribal communities.

Central Armed Police Forces have undertaken various civic activities under the Civic Action Programme to build trust and reduce Maoist influence among local youth. The Tribal Youth Exchange Program, conducted by Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan, connects tribal youth from LWE-affected districts with development opportunities.

The government’s dual focus on security and development continues to show measurable results, marking a significant step toward eliminating Left-Wing Extremism and fostering long-term stability in affected regions.