The Centre on Wednesday said sustained security operations and development initiatives have transformed areas previously affected by Left Wing Extremism (LWE), with investments in infrastructure, connectivity, education, skill development and financial inclusion contributing to long-term socio-economic progress.
In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai said the government adopted a National Policy and Action Plan to Address Left Wing Extremism in 2015, which follows a multi-pronged approach combining security measures with development interventions and measures to safeguard the rights and entitlements of local communities.
To bridge critical infrastructure gaps in the erstwhile most LWE-affected districts, the Centre has released about ₹4,282.96 crore under the Special Central Assistance (SCA) Scheme since its launch in 2017.
The minister said the government has also undertaken several region-specific initiatives aimed at improving connectivity, education, employment opportunities and access to financial services.
Under two dedicated schemes—the Road Requirement Plan (RRP) and the Road Connectivity Project for Left Wing Extremism Affected Areas (RCPLWEA)—a total of 15,189 kilometres of roads have been constructed to improve connectivity in remote regions.
To strengthen digital infrastructure, 9,497 mobile towers have been commissioned in LWE-affected areas, enhancing telecommunications and internet access.
On the education and employment front, the government has established 47 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and 49 Skill Development Centres (SDCs) to improve vocational training and employment opportunities. Additionally, 179 Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) have been made operational to provide quality education for tribal students.
The government has also focused on expanding financial inclusion in these regions. According to the minister, the Department of Posts has opened 6,025 post offices offering banking services in LWE-affected districts. In addition, 1,804 bank branches and 1,321 ATMs have been established in the most affected districts to improve access to formal banking services.
The Centre said the combined impact of sustained security efforts and development initiatives has created conditions for lasting peace and economic growth in regions that had been affected by Left Wing Extremism for decades. It added that these efforts have laid the foundation for comprehensive socio-economic transformation in the affected areas.
