Question : INCREASING NAXAL ACTIVITIES

(a) whether in view of the increasing naxal violence any assessment has been made on the spread of naxalism in the country including in the tribal areas and increasing combat capabilities acquired by them;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the Government has taken steps for strengthening intelligence network and modernisation of weapon systems of security forces operating in the naxal affected regions in the country;

(d) if so, the details thereof;

(e) whether there are reports of recruitment of children by maoists into their cadres;and

(f) if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI AJAY MAKEN)

(a) to (d): Spatial spread of naxal violence has been reported in 87,91 and 85 districts in the year 2008, 2009 and 2010 respectively. In order to strengthen intelligence network and modernization of weapon system etc. of security forces operating in naxal affected region, Government of India provides fund under the scheme of Modernisation of Police Forces. An amount of Rs. 604.20 crore have been allocated under the above scheme for the year 2010-11.

(e) & (f): As per available input, CPI (Maoist) enroll young children as Bala Dasta/Bal Sangham.