Centre‑State Initiatives to Counter Left‑Wing Extremism in Bihar: Funding, Infrastructure & Development Outcomes (2025‑26)

<h3>Overview</h3> <p>The <span class="key-term" data-definition="Left Wing Extremism (LWE) — insurgent movement primarily driven by Maoist ideology, targeting the state’s security and development apparatus; a major internal security challenge (GS2: Polity, GS3: Security)">LWE</span> menace in Bihar has been tackled through a blend of security‑centric measures and development interventions under the <span class="key-term" data-definition="National Policy and Action Plan (NPAP) 2015 — a comprehensive framework approved by the Union Government to address LWE through security, development, and rights‑based actions (GS2: Polity, GS3: Development)">National Policy and Action Plan 2015</span>. Since 2014‑15, the Union Government (GoI) has channeled more than <strong>₹3,756.38 crore</strong> to LWE‑affected states, with <strong>₹175.25 crore</strong> allocated to Bihar for operational and training needs.</p> <h3>Key Developments (2021‑2026)</h3> <ul> <li>Security infrastructure: <strong>112</strong> fortified police stations (<span class="key-term" data-definition="Fortified Police Stations (FPS) — police stations built with reinforced structures, CCTV, and advanced communication to withstand insurgent attacks (GS2: Polity)">FPS</span>) in Bihar; <strong>406</strong> new security camps in core LWE zones.</li> <li>Financial support: <strong>₹173.6 crore</strong> released under the <span class="key-term" data-definition="Special Infrastructure Scheme (SIS) — a sub‑scheme of the Modernisation of Police Forces programme that funds construction of FPS, special forces, and intelligence infrastructure (GS2: Polity)">SIS</span> for Bihar.</li> <li>Rehabilitation package: Immediate grant of <strong>₹5 lakh</strong> for senior cadres and <strong>₹2.5 lakh</strong> for others, plus a monthly stipend of <strong>₹10,000</strong> for three years.</li> <li>Development thrust: <strong>2,639 km</strong> of roads sanctioned (15,068 km constructed nationwide); <strong>371</strong> mobile towers commissioned in Bihar; <strong>9</strong> functional ITIs; <strong>2</strong> operational <span class="key-term" data-definition="Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) — residential schools for tribal children offering quality education, part of the central government's tribal development agenda (GS1: Social Justice)">EMRS</span> in Bihar.</li> <li>Financial inclusion: <strong>264</strong> post offices with banking services, <strong>215</strong> bank branches, <strong>26</strong> ATMs, and <strong>17,855</strong> banking correspondents in Bihar.</li> <li>Security outcomes: LWE‑related incidents fell from <strong>1,936 (2010)</strong> to <strong>234 (2025)</strong> (‑88%); civilian deaths dropped from <strong>1,005</strong> to <strong>100</strong> (‑90%).</li> </ul> <h3>Important Facts</h3> <p>District‑wise status (as of March 2026):</p> <ul> <li><strong>2</strong> districts still classified as LWE‑affected.</li> <li><strong>1</strong> “District of Concern” where violence is largely contained.</li> <li><strong>4</strong> “Legacy &amp; Thrust” districts in Bihar (Aurangabad, Gaya, Jamui, Lakhisarai) requiring continued support.</li> </ul> <p>Security forces performance in 2025: <strong>364</strong> Naxals neutralised, <strong>1,022</strong> arrested, and <strong>2,337</strong> surrendered.</p> <h3>UPSC Relevance</h3> <p>The LWE response illustrates the interplay of <span class="key-term" data-definition="Security Related Expenditure (SRE) scheme — a central funding mechanism that finances operational costs, rehabilitation, and ex‑gratia for LWE‑affected states (GS2: Polity, GS3: Security)">SRE</span> and development schemes, showcasing federal‑state cooperation, internal security strategy, and the use of financial incentives for insurgent surrender. Understanding the role of <span class="key-term" data-definition="Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) — paramilitary forces under the Ministry of Home Affairs that assist states in counter‑insurgency, disaster management, and law‑and‑order (GS2: Polity, GS3: Security)">CAPFs</span> and the creation of <span class="key-term" data-definition="Multi‑Disciplinary Groups (MDGs) — inter‑agency committees formed in 2016 to monitor and curb the flow of funds to LWE cadres (GS2: Polity, GS3: Security)">MDGs</span> are pertinent for GS‑2 (Polity & Security) and GS‑3 (Development) papers.</p> <h3>Way Forward</h3> <p>To consolidate gains, the government should:</p> <ul> <li>Accelerate completion of pending road and telecom projects to improve connectivity in the remaining LWE districts.</li> <li>Expand vocational training and entrepreneurship schemes for surrendered cadres, ensuring sustainable livelihoods.</li> <li>Strengthen intelligence sharing between <span class="key-term" data-definition="State Intelligence Branches (SIBs) — state‑level intelligence agencies that gather and analyse information on internal security threats (GS2: Polity, GS3: Security)">SIBs</span> and central agencies via the <span class="key-term" data-definition="Assistance to Central Agencies for LWE Management (ACALWEMS) Scheme — a programme that funds camp infrastructure and helicopter support for counter‑LWE operations (GS2: Polity, GS3: Security)">ACALWEMS</span> framework.</li> <li>Maintain the financial choke‑hold on LWE funding by periodically reviewing the effectiveness of MDGs and enhancing forensic capabilities.</li> </ul> <p>Continued monitoring and a balanced security‑development approach will be crucial to achieve the ultimate goal of a <strong>“LWE‑free India”</strong>.</p>