Bastar After Naxalism: Assistive Devices for Victims and the Work of Rehabilitation
An assistive devices distribution programme for persons with disabilities, including victims of Naxal violence, was held in Jagdalpur (Bastar, Chhattisgarh) from 5 to 7 October 2026.
More than 3,600 persons with disabilities received devices such as artificial limbs (prosthetics). More than 1,570 of them were from Bastar district alone.
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs said the target of making the country free of Naxalism by 31 March 2026 had been achieved. It added that the end of violence does not by itself heal decades of suffering, and that victims need help to live with dignity.
The use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) against civilians was described as one of the gravest human rights violations of the Naxal movement. Many disabled victims in Bastar lost limbs to such blasts.
The Chhattisgarh government's initiatives in the region, such as the Bastar Olympics (a sports event), Bastar Pandum (a cultural festival), Niyad Nellanar (a scheme to take government services to villages near security camps) and a community bus scheme, were cited as signs of normal life returning.
Left Wing Extremism (LWE) in India: Origins and Trajectory
Left Wing Extremism (LWE), also called Naxalism or the Maoist insurgency, is an armed movement that wanted to overthrow the Indian state by violence and set up a "people's government". It grew mostly in the forested, tribal areas of central and eastern India, a belt once called the "Red Corridor". For about six decades it was one of India's most serious internal security problems. The Government of India says the country became effectively free of LWE on 31 March 2026.
The distribution of artificial limbs and other aids in Jagdalpur marks the move from fighting LWE to healing its victims. Bastar was the movement's last stronghold, and the focus there is now rehabilitation, welfare and normal community life.
Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016
The Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016 is India's main law protecting disabled people. It says they must get equality, dignity and respect, and must not be discriminated against. It also requires governments to provide reservation, accessibility and social security. It replaced an older 1995 law and was made to match a United Nations treaty.
Many victims of Naxal IED blasts live with locomotor disabilities, such as lost legs or arms. Under the RPwD Act, they are entitled to rehabilitation and assistive devices, which is what the Jagdalpur programme provided.
ADIP Scheme: Assistance to Disabled Persons for Aids and Appliances
The ADIP Scheme is a Government of India scheme that gives free or cheap aids and appliances to persons with disabilities who cannot afford them. These include artificial limbs, callipers, wheelchairs, tricycles, hearing aids, smart canes and cochlear implants. The aim is to help people move, hear, see, study and earn on their own. It is run by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
Free distribution of artificial limbs and other aids at camps like the one in Jagdalpur is the kind of support the ADIP framework is designed for. For tribal victims of IED blasts, such devices are the first step back to work, school and a life of dignity.
- Assistive devices programme: Jagdalpur, Bastar, 5 to 7 October 2026
- Beneficiaries: more than 3,600 persons with disabilities; more than 1,570 from Bastar district
- Target of a Naxal-free India by 31 March 2026: declared achieved
- Chhattisgarh initiatives cited: Bastar Olympics, Bastar Pandum, Niyad Nellanar, a community bus scheme
- LWE-affected districts: 126 in 2014; none classified as affected by mid-2026
- Surrenders: 2,337 in 2025; 3,927 between 2024 and March 2026
- RPwD Act, 2016: 21 disabilities; benchmark disability 40%