The Ministry of Home Affairs has detailed the progress of the National Policy and Action Plan to address LWE in Chhattisgarh. After six decades of violence, no district in the state is currently classified as LWE‑affected, but 13 ‘Legacy & Thrust’ districts still receive support to prevent relapse.
Key Developments (2024‑2026)
- Construction of 4,314 km of roads under the RRP and RCPLWEA. Additionally, 127.08 km of critical roads and six bridges are being built by the Border Roads Organisation.
- Commissioning of 1,511 telecom towers to enhance mobile and internet access.
- Opening of 9 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and 14 Skill Development Centres (SDCs) for vocational training.
- Operationalisation of 45 Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) to provide quality education in tribal areas (EMRS).
- Financial inclusion through 1,508 post offices, 413 bank branches and 269 ATMs.
- Launch of a 240‑bed Super Specialty Hospital at Government Medical College, Jagdalpur under the PMSSY.
- Distribution of 5,34,068 title deeds (individual and community) to secure land rights.
- Implementation of the TYEP, benefitting 37,655 youths since 2014.
- Funding of Rs 221.88 crore to Central Armed Police Forces for civic action activities.
- Security infrastructure upgrades: 663 fortified police stations built nationwide, 135 in Chhattisgarh under the SIS.
- Conversion of one‑third of former security camps into Jan Suvidha Kendras, the first at Netanar, Jagdalpur.
Important Facts & Figures
• Total central assistance for security‑related expenditure (SRE) to LWE‑affected states: Rs 3,805.04 crore; Chhattisgarh received Rs 1,453.95 crore.
• Special Central Assistance (SCA) scheme released ≈ Rs 1,715.83 crore to Chhattisgarh since FY 2017‑18.
• Rehabilitation package offers an immediate grant of Rs 5 lakhs for senior cadres and Rs 2.5 lakhs for others, plus a stipend of Rs 10,000 per month for three years.
Exam Relevance
Understanding the LWE response integrates security, development and governance – a classic case of the ‘whole‑of‑government’ approach. Questions can be asked on:
- Effectiveness of central‑state coordination in internal security.
- Impact of infrastructure (roads, telecom, schools) on reducing insurgency.
- Role of land‑rights and financial inclusion in addressing root causes.
- Evaluation of rehabilitation and surrender policies.
Way Forward
To sustain the LWE‑free status, the government should:
- Continue monitoring legacy districts through periodic surveys and ensure full saturation of welfare schemes.
- Scale up digital connectivity and e‑governance to bridge service gaps.
- Strengthen local self‑governance by empowering Panchayati Raj institutions and community‑based monitoring.
- Expand the Jan Suvidha Kendra model to other former conflict zones.
- Maintain robust intelligence sharing and financial tracking to prevent resurgence of extremist funding.
These steps will consolidate peace, promote inclusive growth and serve as a model for handling other internal security challenges.