Union Budget Supercharges Anti-Maoist Operations As March 31 Deadline Nears

Nagpur: Maharashtra Police's campaign against Maoist insurgency is expected to receive a major boost from the Union Budget presented by finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday. The Budget strongly backs security forces to eliminate Left Wing Extremism (LWE) in areas such as Gadchiroli, in line with the national deadline of March 31.Experts say the ₹3,610 crore allocation for security-related expenditure (SRE) and special infrastructure in LWE-affected areas - an increase of ₹604 crore over last year - will significantly strengthen the capacity of security forces, law enforcement agencies, and local administrations. The funds are expected to aid in refining strategies and executing operations to corner the remaining Maoist cadres, who are already on the verge of complete decimation.According to experts, the enhanced allocation will enable Maharashtra Police to scale up anti-Maoist operations by deploying additional forces, strengthening intelligence gathering, and developing critical infrastructure such as roads and communication towers in hard-to-reach remote places.Gadchiroli recorded major successes in 2025, with more than 150 Maoists surrendering. A key moment came in October, when 61 cadres, led by senior leader Bhupathi (Mallojula Venugopal Rao), laid down their arms. Across the country, over 1,225 Maoists surrendered in 2025 - the highest number recorded so far.The Budget has also earmarked around ₹450 crore - an increase of approximately ₹178 crore - for the modernisation of state police forces and the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network System (CCTNS)."These allocations will help Maharashtra Police procure advanced weapons, vehicles, communication equipment, and digital crime-tracking systems. Such upgrades are especially critical in remote areas like Gadchiroli, where operational challenges demand modern solutions," a senior official said.Additional support includes ₹550 crore for the Inter Operable Criminal Justice System, which enables faster data-sharing among police, courts, and forensic laboratories, expediting cases against Maoist operatives. Security agency sources also pointed to allocations for border roads (₹5,577 crore) and Vibrant Villages programme (₹300 crore), which aim to bring schools, healthcare facilities, and employment opportunities to tribal areas - reducing Maoist influence by improving living conditions.Sources within the Maharashtra Police said the strengthened funding framework, along with continued support from central forces such as the CRPF (₹38,518 crore) and BSF (₹29,568 crore), will further consolidate gains made in 2025. "With sustained pressure, increased surrenders, and accelerated development, Maoist influence is rapidly declining. This Budget will help make Maharashtra Naxal-free in the near future," an official from the anti-Maoist operations wing said.