India maintains security funding for 38 former Naxal-hit districts

The Indian government is maintaining security-related assistance for 38 'Legacy and Thrust' districts across nine states to prevent the resurgence of Left-Wing Extremism (LWE). While the government has officially declared that no district in the country is currently categorized as LWE-affected, these 38 areas will remain covered under the Security Related Expenditure (SRE) scheme to consolidate security gains and prevent extremist groups from regrouping.

Chhattisgarh contains the highest number of these districts with 13, followed by Odisha with nine. Other affected states include Bihar, Jharkhand, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and West Bengal. The strategy follows the 2015 National Policy and Action Plan, which utilizes an integrated approach combining security measures, development interventions, and improved governance.

To strengthen the security architecture, the Centre has deployed Central Armed Police Forces, modernized state police forces, and provided helicopter support for operations. The government has set March 31, 2026, as the target date for the total elimination of LWE.