Raipur
Bastar district of Chhattisgarh is now free from the shadow of Naxalism. This news is a major achievement for the entire state. The Union Home Ministry has excluded Bastar from the list of Left Wing Extrimism (LWE) affected districts. Although it has not been officially announced yet, the central assistance received by Bastar under LWE has been discontinued from the new financial year starting from April 2025.
Bastar Collector Harish S. Told that now the district has been established as a legacy district. This means that Bastar is now moving on the new path of development and peace.
Earlier, Bastar district used to get a fund of crores of rupees from the central government for Naxal abolition and development works. The amount was released by March 2025, but this fund has been banned from April 2025. This step indicates effective control over Naxalism in Bastar and improvement in security situation.
Progress in Bastar division
Two districts of seven districts of Bastar division- Bastar, Dantewada, Bijapur, Sukma, Narayanpur, Kondagaon, and Kanker- have now become Naxal-free. This year, three other districts of Chhattisgarh-Rajnandgaon, Kawardha, and Khairagarh-Chuikhadan-Gandai–have also been removed from the LWE (Left Wing Extrimism) list.
Changes in Naxalite affected areas of Bastar
Areas such as Darbha, Koleng, Tulsidongri, Machakot, Tiriya, Lohandiguda, Mardum, Kakanar, and Barsur were first affected by Naxalism. Security forces set up several camps and police stations in these areas. For example, camps were opened in Darbha’s Jhiram Valley, Kolayng, and Tulsidongri. Police Station and Camp, Kakanar and Chitrakote in Mardum, and Camp, and LohandiSi in GudaRPF camps were set up. Also, the entire district was secured by laying a network of paved roads in these areas.
Naxalites surrender
Recently, there was panic in the lower level Naxalites due to the killing of 28 Naxalites including Gaganna alias Basav Raju, the general secretary of the Naxalite organization in Sukma. On Tuesday, 18 Naxalites surrendered in front of Sukma SP Kiran Chavan, including four hardcore Naxalites. Of these, 12 Naxalites had a total reward of Rs 39 lakh.
Large Naxalites like PLGA Battalion No. 1 headquarter company No. 3 of PPCM Makam Aarti (8 lakh), Bhaskar alias Bhogam (8 lakh), Taylor Team Commander Makam Deve (5 lakhs) and Madavi Chhannu (5 lakh) are included. This change is a symbol of the new beginning of peace and development in Bastar. Local people and administration are now working towards making the region more prosperous.
LWE means removal from list
Removing LWE (Left Wing Extremism) list means that a district or region has been removed from the list of Naxal -affected areas. The Government of India, under the Ministry of Home Affairs, includes areas in the LWE list where Maoists or Naxalite activities are active. Special policies and schemes are implemented for safety and development in these areas. Removing an area from this list means that the government believes that there has been a decrease in Naxalite activities or the situation has become normal. Its basis may be a decrease in Naxalite violence, success of security forces, and development works.
Positive effects on common man
Safety improvement : Lack of Naxalite activities can make the life of common people safe. People are normal due to lack of fear Can live life, such as traveling at night, going to market, etc.
Increase in development works : Development works often stop due to security reasons in LWE regions. After withdrawing from the list, development of basic facilities like road, school, hospital, and electricity can be speeded up.
Economic opportunity : Naxalite influence may increase business, employment, and investment opportunities, which can improve the income of the local people.
Potential negative effects : Reduction in special assistance: LWE regions get special central assistance (SCA) and other funds from the central government. These special funds may be reduced when removing the list, which may affect certain development projects.
Return of security forces:
If the deployment of security forces is reduced, and Naxalite activities grow again, the security situation may deteriorate again.
Effect on facilities
Development facilities
Special schemes are run for facilities like roads, schools, hospitals, and communication networks in LWE regions. After withdrawing from the list, the focus of these schemes can shift to general government schemes. If normal schemes are not as effective, then the expansion of facilities may slow down. However, if the area has already seen adequate development, there will be no major change in the facilities.
Security facilities
LWE regions have heavy deployment of security forces. The number of security forces may decrease when it is removed from the list, which will increase dependence on local police. If the local police is not ready, security related facilities may be affected.
Impact on fund
Special Central Assistance (SCA)
LWE affected districts get special funds from the central government, such as 35 accepted SCA for the most affected districts. This special assistance may be closed or reduced when it is removed from the list, affecting funding for development projects.
Safety expenses (sre)
Funds are allocated for security forces in LWE regions under SRE (Security Related Expected). This funding can also be reduced when it is removed from the list, which can affect the security system.
General development fund
After removing the list, the area will get funds under the general state or central government schemes. If these funds are not enough, development works may decrease.
Taking out of the LWE list is a positive sign. This indicates that Naxalite activities in the area have decreased and the normal situation is being restored. For the common man it can increase the opportunities for safety and development, but special funding and lack of security forces may also lead to some challenges. The long -term effects will depend on how effectively the government and local administration maintains development and safety under general schemes.
