Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asked chief secretaries to ensure that Maoism does not relapse in areas freed from Left-wing extremism by fast-tracking infrastructure development and the delivery of welfare schemes.
Chairing a two-day meeting of chief secretaries in New Delhi over the weekend, the PM said the key challenge now is to ensure that those who have joined the mainstream do not drift back towards Maoist ideology. He stressed the need for all-round development — including roads, water supply, education, healthcare, employment and rehabilitation of surrendered cadres — to consolidate peace in these regions, officials said.
Modi underlined that development must reach every level, adding that rehabilitation, security and livelihood opportunities for those who have laid down arms are critical to preventing a relapse. The Telangana government made a presentation on the future of regions emerging from Left-wing extremism.
The PM’s remarks are significant as Maoism had earlier thrived in areas lacking basic facilities, with extremists deliberately targeting schools and infrastructure to block development. Officials noted that welfare initiatives such as free ration schemes and projects under the Aspirational Districts Programme have weakened Maoist influence, a fact acknowledged even by some surrendered rebels.
However, surrendered cadres have also warned of the risk of relapse if promises related to financial assistance, security, employment and local development are not fulfilled. Modi said success would be complete only when people who have returned to the mainstream are not lured back by extremist propaganda.
During the meeting, the PM also asked top bureaucrats to set up “deregulation cells” in their offices, on the lines of the Cabinet Secretariat, to push reforms and improve ease of living and doing business. He urged states to replicate the Centre’s Pragati model to monitor and expedite delayed infrastructure projects.
The conference reviewed progress on ease of doing business reforms, noting that Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha and Tripura have completed all 23 identified reforms, with overall progress crossing 75%.
The fifth chief secretaries’ conference, held on the theme of “Human Capital for Viksit Bharat,” also discussed early childhood education, schooling, skilling, sports and extracurricular activities. Modi directed officials to ensure that all PM Shri Kendriya Vidyalayas and Eklavya schools have toilets for girls by March 8, and expressed concern over reported irregularities in the Jal Jeevan Mission, sources said.
