Lok Sabha Question No. 1416 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2022-07-26
Subject: Communication Facility in Naxal Affected Areas
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS
Asked by: Kotha Prabhakar  Reddy

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1416

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 26 TH  JULY, 2022/ SRAVANA 4, 1944 (SAKA)

COMMUNICATION FACILITY IN NAXAL AFFECTED AREAS

1416. SHRI KOTHA PRABHAKAR REDDY:

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (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?

## ANSWER

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

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

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.

## L.S.US.Q.NO. 1416 FOR 26.07.2022

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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