Incidents of Left Wing Extremism (LWE) violence have drastically reduced in the country as a result of the efforts made by the union government for its eradication, said Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday (21 December).

The reduction in such cases is a direct result of the "steadfast implementation of the ‘National Policy and Action Plan to address LWE’ that was approved by the centre in 2015," said Rai, in response to a written question on ’Eradication of Left Wing Extremism’.

Incidents of LWE violence have reduced by 77 per cent from a high of 2,213 in 2010 to 509 in 2021, Rai said, adding that, LWE resultant deaths (civilians and security forces) have reduced by 85 per cent from 1,005 in 2010 to 147 in 2021.

The ‘National Policy and Action Plan to address LWE’ envisages a multi-pronged strategy involving security related measures, development interventions, ensuring rights and entitlements of local communities, etc.

On social and economic development front, Rai added that the Ministry of Home Affairs works in close co-ordination with other ministries for optimum implementation of the flagship schemes of those ministries in LWE affected areas.

Apart from the flagship schemes of various ministries, specific schemes have also been implemented for LWE affected areas, wherein special emphasis has been given on expansion of road network, improving telecommunications, educational empowerment and financial inclusion in the affected areas. 

More than 11,600 km roads have been constructed in LWE affected areas under specific schemes. For improving telecommunication connectivity, 2,343 mobile towers have been installed and work order issued for another 2,542. 

Rs 3,105 crore has been released to the 'Most LWE Affected Districts' under ‘Special Central Assistance (SCA)’ scheme to fill critical gaps in public infrastructure and services.

Under this scheme, various types of projects have been undertaken like road repair, improvement in health infrastructure, education related projects, rural infrastructure projects etc. 

Further towards educational empowerment, 47 Industrial Training Institutes and 68 Skill Development Centers have been approved under “Skill Development Scheme in 47 Districts affected by LWE”. 

For financial inclusion, 1,258 bank branches, 1,348 ATMs and 22,202 Banking Correspondents have been established in 'Most LWE Affected Districts' and 4,903 Post Offices have been opened in 90 LWE affected districts in the last seven years.