Government's Counter-LWE Strategy
Security + Development
The government's integrated approach to LWE has evolved through three distinct phases. Phase 1 (pre-2014): Fragmented response; states led operations with limited central coordination. Phase 2 (2014–2019): National Policy and Action Plan to Combat LWE (2015); creation of the Security Related Expenditure (SRE) scheme and Special Infrastructure Scheme (SIS) for LWE-affected districts; deployment of CRPF's CoBRA (Commando Battalion for Resolute Action) units. Phase 3 (2019–2026): Named district-level targets, accelerated road and telecom connectivity under the "Aspirational Districts" programme (now "Aspirational India" framework), and a sharp increase in joint operations. The SAMADHAN doctrine — Smart leadership, Aggressive strategy, Motivation and training, Actionable intelligence, Dashboard-based KPIs and targets, Harnessing technology, Action plan for each theatre, No access to financing — structured this phase.
- SAMADHAN doctrine: Launched 2017, systematic counter-LWE operational framework
- CoBRA (CRPF): Jungle warfare-trained commando units specifically for anti-Naxal operations; 10 battalions
- Roads: 17,589 km sanctioned in LWE-affected areas; 14,618 km constructed as of 2026
- Telecom connectivity: All LWE-affected villages to get mobile connectivity by December 2025 deadline
- Aspirational Districts Programme (now Aspirational India): Focuses on 112 backward districts including LWE-affected ones
- Surrender policy: Financial assistance, skill training, housing, and personal security for surrendered cadres
● Tracked since February 27, 2026 · last seen April 01, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes