Status of Naxalism in India: Complete Eradication Achieved

The Ministry of Home Affairs has declared that India has achieved complete freedom from Left Wing Extremism (LWE), which was once considered one of the biggest threats to the country's internal security. This milestone was accomplished through the resolute implementation of the "National Policy and Action Plan to address LWE" approved in 2015, employing a multi-pronged strategy involving security measures, development interventions, and ensuring rights of local communities.

District Status Evolution

The number of Naxal-affected districts has dramatically reduced from 126 to 90 in April 2018, 70 in July 2021, 38 in April 2024, 8 in December 2025, and finally to zero in March/April 2026. Currently, 37 districts are categorized as 'Legacy & Thrust' districts requiring continued support for security and development measures, while one district remains under 'District of Concern' category where LWE violent activities have been contained but surveillance continues.

Financial Allocation and Schemes

Between 2021-22 and 2025-26, the Government of India released a total of Rs 4,430.23 crore under various schemes to counter LWE. The annual breakdown shows Rs 1,000.60 crore in 2021-22, Rs 833.08 crore in 2022-23, Rs 746.19 crore in 2023-24, Rs 731.46 crore in 2024-25, and Rs 1,118.90 crore in 2025-26. The major schemes include Special Central Assistance (Rs 1,616.69 crore total), Security Related Expenditure (Rs 1,763.90 crore), Special Infrastructure Scheme (Rs 329.33 crore), Assistance to Central Agencies for LWE Management (Rs 590.10 crore), Civic Action Plan (Rs 90.87 crore), and Media Plan (Rs 39.34 crore).

Since 2014-15, additional funds include Rs 3,805.04 crore released under Security Related Expenditure scheme for operational costs, training, rehabilitation of surrendered cadres, and ex-gratia payments. Under the Assistance to Central Agencies for LWE Management Scheme, Rs 1,303.68 crore has been provided for basic camp structure and helicopter support.

Security Infrastructure and Rehabilitation

The government has constructed 663 fortified police stations and implemented comprehensive surrender-cum-rehabilitation policies. The rehabilitation package provides immediate grants of Rs 5 lakh for higher-ranked LWE cadres and Rs 2.5 lakh for other cadres, plus incentives for weapon/ammunition surrender. Additional support includes vocational training with a monthly stipend of Rs 10,000 for three years.

Development Initiatives

Significant infrastructure development includes construction of 15,189 km of roads under Road Requirement Plan and Road Connectivity Project for LWE Affected Areas schemes, with an additional 127.08 km critical roads and 6 critical bridges approved in Chhattisgarh. Telecom connectivity improved with 9,497 towers commissioned, while 6,025 post offices with banking services, 1,804 bank branches, and 1,321 ATMs were established in freed areas.

Educational and skill development infrastructure saw 47 Industrial Training Institutes and 49 Skill Development Centres opened, along with 179 functional Eklavya Model Residential Schools. For public infrastructure development, approximately Rs 4,289.20 crore has been released under Special Central Assistance scheme since 2017.

Land Rights and Governance

A total of 21,26,268 title deeds have been distributed to beneficiaries, comprising 20,20,268 individual titles and 1,06,000 community titles. The Ministry of Home Affairs is collaborating with the Ministry of Panchayati Raj to strengthen local self-governance in erstwhile LWE affected areas.

Community Engagement Programs

The Tribal Youth Exchange Programme has engaged 37,655 tribal youths since 2014 through week-long exposure visits across India. Under the Civic Action Programme, Rs 221.88 crore has been released since 2014 for welfare activities including medical camps, sports competitions, and distribution of essential items.

Future Focus

In the post-LWE scenario, the government's focus remains on saturation of welfare programmes, strengthening local self-governance, facilitating rehabilitation of surrendered cadres, preserving tribal identity and culture, and expanding governance reach in remote areas. One-third of security camps in LWE-free areas are being converted into Jan Suvidha Kendras providing livelihood promotion, skill development, government scheme access, digital services, healthcare, and cultural facilities, with the first center established at Netanar, Jagdalpur, Chhattisgarh.