MHA: 37 “Legacy & Thrust” districts no longer LWE-affected
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UPSC has already asked about this. Read the story with these questions in mind.
No district in India is now classified as affected by Left Wing Extremism, the Home Ministry told Rajya Sabha on 29 July 2026. Affected districts fell from 126 to 90 in April 2018, 70 in 2021, 38 in 2024, eight in December 2025 and zero by March-April 2026. Thirty-seven Legacy and Thrust districts still get security and development support.
- Released
- 29 Jul 2026, Rajya Sabha reply, MHA
- LWE districts
- zero (March/April 2026)
- Legacy and Thrust
- 37 districts; one District of Concern
- Policy
- National Policy and Action Plan to address LWE, 2015
- Violence (VPM)
- 486 incidents (2023); 33 in 2026, till 21 July
- Title deeds
- 21,26,268 (20,20,268 individual, 1,06,000 community)
The end of Naxalism: what happened?
Police and public order are State subjects, so the Centre supports States rather than running the fight itself. The reply sets out the end state: no LWE district, but watchful support for 37 districts so violence does not return.
- One-third of security camps in LWE-free areas are being turned into Jan Suvidha Kendras for services and livelihoods.
- The first is at Netanar, Jagdalpur (Chhattisgarh): the Shaheed Veer Gundadhur Seva Dera Kendra.
- Roads: 15,189 km under RRP and RCPLWEA; 9,497 telecom towers.
- 663 fortified police stations; ₹3805.04 crore under the SRE scheme since 2014-15.
- A survey in seven ex-LWE districts of Chhattisgarh is mapping gaps in welfare schemes.
Which Constitution entries apply?
- State List (List II), Entry 1: public order; Entry 2: police.
- That is why the Centre “supplements” State efforts with forces, funds and schemes.
Why does the end of Naxalism matter?
- Internal security: Formal end of LWE-affected districts.
- Development: Camps become service centres.
What can Prelims ask on the end of Naxalism?
- LWE districts: 126 to 90 (2018), 70 (2021), 38 (2024), 8 (Dec 2025), zero (2026).
- 37 Legacy and Thrust districts; one District of Concern.
- Police and public order: List II.
How to use this in Mains
- As per PIB (2026-07-29): MHA said 37 districts are now "Legacy & Thrust" districts, no longer LWE-affected but needing continued support; police and public order are State subjects.
- The campaign against LWE is now in a consolidation phase: holding the ground already cleared.
Quotable data pointMHA said 37 districts are now "Legacy & Thrust" districts, no longer LWE-affected but needing continued support.
PIB: MHA: status of Naxalism, 29 Jul 2026
Exam angle
Prelims: Seventh Schedule: police.
Practice MCQs
Original practice questions (not PYQs).
Under the Seventh Schedule, "Police" and "Public order" are listed in
Answer (b) & explanation
Constitution, List II Entries 1 and 2; MHA reply, 29 Jul 2026.
Questions students ask about this
How many districts are LWE-affected now?
None. The number fell to zero in March to April 2026.
What are Legacy and Thrust districts?
37 districts no longer LWE-affected that still get security and development support for some time.
What are Jan Suvidha Kendras?
Former security camps in LWE-free areas converted into centres for livelihoods, skills, schemes, health and other services.
Keep studying
Go deeper
Official source: PIB: MHA: status of Naxalism, 29 Jul 2026
facts from cited sources only; faculty review pending