The Odisha Government has appealed to the Central Government for an uninterrupted helicopter service to assist security forces in addressing the Maoist threat within the state. Odisha Finance Minister Bikram Keshari Arukha represented Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik at a national-level meeting on Left Wing Extremism (LWE), presided over by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi. During the meeting, Arukha emphasized several pressing issues requiring immediate attention from the Government of India.
Enhanced Mobile Connectivity and Dedicated Helicopter
Minister Arukha urgently requested the completion of mobile tower installations under various mobile connectivity schemes. Additionally, he called for the provision of a dedicated helicopter service for the security forces. This helicopter service would be instrumental in troop mobility, maintenance of forward posts, and responding swiftly to emergencies related to LWE conflicts in Odisha.
“A dedicated helicopter may please be provided to the state as uninterrupted helicopter service is a critical requirement for the security forces for movement of troops, maintenance of forward posts and to respond to exigencies in the context of LWE conflict,”
Odisha Finance Minister BK Arukha during a national-level meeting chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah
The LWE Challenge and Odisha’s Success
Arukha highlighted the severity of Left Wing Extremism as a significant internal security challenge in India. However, he also stressed that Odisha has made substantial progress in combating the LWE menace. The state’s approach combines a well-calibrated security response with focused developmental initiatives and people-centric policies under Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s leadership. This comprehensive strategy has led to remarkable transformations in most affected areas.
Positive Outcomes and Achievements
The Finance Minister pointed out the positive outcomes of the state’s efforts. The areas once heavily influenced by Maoists have reduced from 21 districts to just 10, and violence has significantly decreased. Mass support and local cadre recruitment for extremist outfits have also dwindled. Notably, areas that have been cleared of extremism have experienced visible improvements due to proactive developmental initiatives.
Swabhiman Anchal Success Story
Arukha shared the success story of Swabhiman Anchal in Malkangiri district, which was a long-standing Maoist stronghold. Security forces have established complete control in this area, integrating it with the socio-economic-political mainstream. Initiatives like the Gurupriya Bridge and the ‘SETU’ (Social Economic Transformation and Upliftment) Scheme have had a profound impact on the lives and livelihoods of the local population. The distribution of over 7,000 smartphones to students, expanded ambulance services, and innovative medicine distribution through drones have further improved the quality of life in these regions.
Government Schemes and Empowerment Initiatives
Arukha outlined various government schemes designed to uplift Maoist-affected regions in Odisha. Drone-based medicine distribution, the Mukhyamantri Bayu Yojana for specialized healthcare, and initiatives promoting skill development and women’s empowerment have significantly reduced support for CPI (Maoist).
Commitment to Collaboration and Elimination
The Finance Minister expressed gratitude to the Central Government for its support in effectively combating the Maoist menace. He reiterated Odisha’s commitment to a strategy combining proactive security responses and holistic development in tribal areas to address the issue effectively. The state government is dedicated to working closely with Central Agencies and neighbouring states to eliminate this threat.
Assurance from Union Home Minister Amit Shah
Union Home Minister Amit Shah commended Odisha’s efforts in countering Naxalism and assured the state of full support. He pledged that the Central Government would provide all necessary assistance to root out left-wing extremism from the country in the upcoming year.
Key Attendees of The Meeting
The meeting was attended by Odisha Chief Secretary Pradeep Kumar Jena and DG Police Sunil Kumar Bansal. Additionally, Chief Ministers from Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Jharkhand participated, while Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh were represented by state ministers.
