Page 20 - NIS English 16-30 April, 2026

COVER STORY | Naxal-Free India

Modernization of Police Forces

n State police forces were provided with assistance
under the 'Modernization of Police Forces'
scheme.
The Three Dates… A Shift in Direction
n Under this scheme, the Central Government
provided assistance to State Governments for
For the development, the Central Government adopted a “Whole-of- weapons, Information Technology equipment,
Government” approach; while, to tighten the security noose, it shifted its communication systems, training, mobility, police
strategy toward a “Whole-of-Agency” perspective—a transformation housing, and other infrastructure.
in which three specific dates scripted the decisive narrative... n Under the 'Special Infrastructure Scheme
(SIS)'—a sub-scheme of the main plan—special
n Through an "All-Agency Approach," entities such as the forces, State Intelligence Branches, District Police
NIA, ED, and various intelligence agencies launched a units, and fortified police stations were established
multi-pronged offensive against the networks, funding in Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) affected states.
channels, and support systems of the Naxalites.
n To strengthen security infrastructure, more than
n Leveraging the "Whole-of-Government" approach, 656 fortified police stations were established.
development initiatives had already been set in motion
across the affected regions.
n August 20, 2019: A meeting was convened at the Union ₹1,224.59 Crore
Ministry of Home Affairs, wherein a comprehensive
blueprint was drafted addressing various facets— Assistance has been provided to central agencies
including police coordination, police modernization, the through this scheme since the year 2014-15.
integration of former Naxalites into the police force, and
coordination with intelligence agencies. fortified police stations were
n August 24, 2024: Following the elections in Chhattisgarh, 596 established over the past 11 years.
a change of government had taken place. Union Home
Minister Amit Shah visited the state, where a joint strategy police stations once reported Naxal-
was formulated between the Centre and the State. On this 350 related incidents, now the number
very date, an announcement was made: India would be has dropped to just 60.
rendered Naxal-free by March 31, 2026.
n March 31, 2026: Just one day before the target date for 406 new camps for the Central Armed
Forces have been established since
the realization of the pledge for a Naxal-free India, the 2020
Union Home Minister made a formal announcement in
the Lok Sabha. night-landing helipads have been
constructed.
Full Speech of the Union Home 68
Minister Scan the QR code to watch.
bullet- and blast-proof vehicles have
400 been provided to the personnel.
March 31, 2026. This stands as a testament to a decade hospitals have been built for the
of the government’s decisive policy and its unwavering 05 personnel, and the communication
commitment to peace and development. The govern- network has been upgraded.
ment has adopted an integrated, multi-pronged, and

18 NEW INDIA SAMACHAR || April 16-30, 2026