Context:

Recently, the Odisha government revised its Maoist Surrender and Rehabilitation Policy for the second time in less than three months. The update relaxes eligibility criteria, allowing persons from outside Odisha involved in CPI (Maoist) activities to surrender, provided their involvement is certified by the police and no rehabilitation benefits have been availed elsewhere. The revision supports the state’s goal of eliminating Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) by March 31, 2026, in line with the Union Home Ministry’s target.

About Naxalite–Maoist Insurgency:

The Naxalite–Maoist insurgency is a long-standing armed conflict in India rooted in Left-Wing Extremism (LWE), targeting state machinery to establish a communist society. Originating in 1967 in Naxalbari, West Bengal, it spans the “Red Corridor,” primarily affecting tribal-dominated areas in Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Odisha. Driven by socio-economic inequality and Maoist ideology, the insurgency is led by the CPI (Maoist) through armed violence.

About the Policy:

• • • • The Odisha scheme offers incentives for surrendered Maoists:
        • Politburo/Central Committee members: up to ₹1.10 crore
        • State Committee members: ₹55 lakh
        • Regional Committee members: ₹33 lakh
      • An additional ₹10 lakh fixed deposit for high-bounty cadres; spouses are treated separately.
      • In 2025, 317 Maoists were neutralised, 862 were arrested, and nearly 2,000 surrendered. Naxal-affected districts declined from 126 (2014) to 11 (2025), and the number of most-affected districts fell from 36 to 3, nearly collapsing the Red Corridor.

Key Achievements in LWE Reduction:

• • • • Violence Reduction: Violent incidents fell by 53%; security force deaths by 73%; civilian deaths by 70% (2014–2024).
      • Security Infrastructure: 12,000 km of roads, 586 fortified police stations, 361 camps, and 68 helipads were constructed.
      • Technology & Communication: Over 8,500 mobile towers improved intelligence reach.
      • Financial Choking: Over ₹92 crore in assets were seized by the NIA and state agencies.
      • Capacity Building: ₹3,331 crore under SRE and ₹3,817.59 crore under SCA were allocated; investments were made in special forces, hospitals, and skill centres.

Benefits of the Revised Policy:

• • • • Weakens Maoist Cadres: Encourages the surrender of top- and mid-level leaders.
      • Enhances Security: Reduces incidents in previously insurgency-prone areas.
      • Socio-Economic Reintegration: Provides professional training and employment for former insurgents.
      • Cross-State Coordination: Disrupts inter-state Maoist networks.

Conclusion:
Odisha’s revised policy, combined with central interventions, fortified police stations, infrastructure expansion, mobile connectivity, financial inclusion, and education, reflects a multi-dimensional strategy to eradicate LWE. Security operations, alongside rehabilitation and socio-economic integration, bring India closer to a Naxal-free future by March 2026, serving as a model for effective internal security governance.