Question : Communication Facility in Naxal Affected Areas

(a) whether there is a need to improve the resolution of the cameras attached to the Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) provided by the Union Government for use in areas affected by Left-Wing Extremism (LWE);

(b) the steps being taken by the Government for improving the communication facility in the Naxal affected areas and for deployment of more battalions of the CRPF in such affected areas; and

(c) whether some States have urged to resume the special assistance given to seven LWE affected districts of the States, if so, the details thereof and action taken thereon?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS
(SHRI NITYANAND RAI)

(a) to (c): As per the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution of India, subjects of ‘Police and Public Order’ are with the State Governments. However, to address the Left Wing Extremism (LWE) menace holistically, a National Policy and Action Plan was launched in 2015. The policy and action plan envisages a multi-pronged strategy involving security related measures, development interventions, ensuring



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rights and entitlements of local communities etc. Steadfast implementation of this policy and action plan has resulted in consistent decline in LWE violence across the nation.

On the security front, The Government of India (GoI) supports the LWE affected State Governments by providing Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) Battalions, helicopters, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), training, funds for modernisation of State police forces, arms and equipment, sharing of intelligence and construction of Fortified Police Stations etc.

Equipment including better resolution cameras for UAVs is upgraded as per emerging requirement and available technology.

The GoI has implemented various schemes to augment communication facilities in LWE affected States. Apart from providing mobile telecommunication services to the people of the area and security forces deployed there, the schemes give impetus to e–governance activities, digital connectivity, employment opportunities, educational facilities etc. Under the Mobile Connectivity Project for LWE Affected Areas, 2343 mobile towers have been installed and another 4072 have been approved. In addition, 4312 Mobile Towers have also been approved



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in 37 LWE affected districts under another scheme supported by Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) for mobile connectivity in uncovered Aspirational Districts.

Security Forces are equipped with wireless sets and Satellite Phones in adequate quantity as per operational requirements. In addition Rs 13.26 Crore has been approved for States for security forces communication equipment under Special Infrastructure Scheme (SIS). In addition, funds are also allotted to states under police modernisation schemes for latest equipment and upgradations.

The deployment of CAPFs in LWE affected states is a dynamic process and is based on prevailing situation and availability of forces. Ministry of Home Affairs has been supporting the State Governments extensively by way of providing large number of CAPF Battalions including Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), sanction of 56 India Reserve (IR) and 10 Special India Reserve (SIR) Battalions and also allotting funds for capacity building of State Police, Special Forces of the State and intelligence agencies.





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The Special Central Assistance Scheme is meant for filling critical gaps in public infrastructure and services in the most LWE affected districts which are emergent in nature. This scheme is being implemented since 2017-18 and has now been further extended till 2025-26. The number of most affected districts was reduced from 35 to 30 in 2018 and further to 25 in 2021 on the basis of a laid down criteria.

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