Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday announced a significant reduction in the number of districts most affected by Left-Wing Extremism (LWE), also known as Naxalism, stating that the number has dropped from 12 to just 6. This reduction marks a key milestone in the ongoing efforts to create a Naxalism-free India.
In a post on X, Shah highlighted the Modi government’s “ruthless approach” towards eradicating Naxalism and emphasized the country’s commitment to fostering development across all regions. “The Modi government is determined to build a Sashakt, Surakshit, and Samriddh Bharat with relentless efforts for all-encompassing development and a firm stance against Naxalism. We are committed to uprooting Naxalism completely by 31st March 2026,” he stated.
According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, the total number of districts affected by Naxalism in India had previously been 38. Out of these, the number of “most affected” districts has now decreased to 6, with a parallel reduction in the number of “Districts of Concern” and “Other LWE-affected Districts.”
The six districts most affected by Naxalism now include four from Chhattisgarh (Bijapur, Kanker, Narayanpur, and Sukma), one from Jharkhand (West Singhbhum), and one from Maharashtra (Gadchiroli).
Additionally, the number of “Districts of Concern,” which require intensified resources and attention, has been reduced from 9 to 6. These districts are located in Andhra Pradesh (Alluri Sitarama Raju), Madhya Pradesh (Balaghat), Odisha (Kalahandi, Kandhamal, and Malkangiri), and Telangana (Bhadradri-Kothagudem).
The number of “Other LWE-affected Districts,” which are also experiencing Naxal activity but to a lesser degree, has dropped from 17 to 6. These include districts from Chhattisgarh (Dantewada, Gariaband, and Mohla-Manpur-Ambagarh Chowki), Jharkhand (Latehar), Odisha (Nuapada), and Telangana (Mulugu).
To support these districts in their recovery and development, central govt provides financial assistance under the Special Central Assistance (SCA) scheme. The most affected districts receive Rs. 30 crore, while Districts of Concern are allocated Rs. 10 crore to fill gaps in public infrastructure. Special projects tailored to the needs of these areas are also funded by the government.