The Ministry of Home Affairs provided a comprehensive update on development initiatives in Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected districts, following the implementation of the 2015 'National Policy and Action Plan to address LWE'. The multi-pronged strategy combines security measures with development interventions and protection of local communities' rights.
Under the Special Central Assistance (SCA) Scheme initiated in 2017, approximately ₹4282.96 crores have been released to states for filling critical gaps in public infrastructure in the most LWE-affected districts. This funding has supported numerous sector-specific initiatives including significant infrastructure expansion: 15,189 km of roads constructed under two LWE-specific road schemes (Road Requirement Plan and Road Connectivity Project for LWE Affected Areas), and 9,497 telecom towers commissioned to improve connectivity.
The development efforts extend to education and skill development with 47 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and 49 Skill Development Centres opened, along with 179 Eklavya Model Residential Schools made functional to provide quality education in tribal areas. Financial inclusion measures include the establishment of 6,025 Post Offices with banking services, 1,804 Bank Branches, and 1,321 ATMs in the most affected districts.
The Ministry reported that as a result of resolute policy implementation, the entire country has been liberated from LWE, with sustained security and development efforts creating favorable conditions for comprehensive socio-economic transformation of regions affected by extremism for decades. Minister of State Shri Nityanand Rai provided this information in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha on July 22, 2026.