Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday said the fight against Naxalism would continue until former Naxal-affected areas are brought at par with the rest of the country in terms of development.
Addressing the 26th meeting of the Central Zonal Council in Bastar region of Chhattisgarh, Shah said the region has now become free from both Naxalism and inter-state disputes, calling it a major achievement.
The meeting was attended by Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and senior officials from member states and the Centre.
Shah said Chhattisgarh connects nearly seven states, giving the Central Zone strategic importance. He added that no disputes remain either among the four member states or between the states and the Centre.
The Home Minister said the achievement of making India Naxal-free was possible due to the coordinated efforts of security forces, intelligence agencies, state police and Central Armed Police Forces.
He said development initiatives under the “Whole of Government Approach” also played a key role in transforming areas affected by Naxalism.
Shah credited the Chhattisgarh government for coordinating closely with the Union Home Ministry and ensuring support required for anti-Naxal operations.
He said that while security operations had succeeded, the focus must now shift towards ensuring long-term development in these areas, which had lagged behind for decades.
The Home Minister asked member states of the Central Zonal Council to focus on implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission-2 and ensure tap water supply to every household.
He also stressed the need to address issues related to health, nutrition and social welfare, particularly in rural and tribal regions.
Calling malnutrition a serious concern, Shah urged chief ministers and chief secretaries to work closely with the Centre to tackle the issue.
He said greater efforts are needed to reduce school dropout rates and improve the quality of education in these regions.
The Home Minister also highlighted the importance of financial inclusion and power sector reforms in accelerating development.
He appealed to the states to continue efforts in urban planning, public health and rural empowerment while ensuring banking facilities are available within a five-kilometre radius, given the growing dependence on Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)-based welfare schemes.
Shah further stressed the need for timely DNA testing in POCSO and rape cases, establishment of special courts for faster disposal of long-pending cases, and strengthening cybercrime helplines in line with Union Home Ministry guidelines.
He also called for stricter implementation of laws related to food adulteration and directed states to widely publicise action taken against offenders to raise public awareness.
Referring to the implementation of the new criminal laws, Shah urged the states to ensure effective execution of the three “Naveen Nyaya Sanhita” reforms in the criminal justice system.
He said the goal should be to ensure disposal of every criminal case, including those reaching the Supreme Court, within three years before 2029.
The meeting was organised by the Inter-State Council Secretariat under the Ministry of Home Affairs, with the Chhattisgarh government hosting the event.
-ANI
