The Union Budget presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday is set to provide a significant boost to the Maharashtra Police's ongoing campaign against Maoist insurgency, particularly in the Gadchiroli district. This strategic financial backing aligns with the national deadline to eliminate Left Wing Extremism (LWE) by March 31, reinforcing efforts to corner the remaining Maoist cadres who are already on the verge of complete decimation.
Enhanced Security Allocations for LWE-Affected Areas
Budget 2026-27 has earmarked ₹3,610 crore for security-related expenditure (SRE) and special infrastructure in LWE-affected regions, marking an increase of ₹604 crore from the previous year. Experts highlight that this enhanced funding will significantly strengthen the capacity of security forces, law enforcement agencies, and local administrations. The allocation is expected to refine strategies and execute operations more effectively, targeting the dwindling Maoist presence in remote areas.
Scaling Up Anti-Maoist Operations in Maharashtra
With the increased budget, Maharashtra Police can scale up anti-Maoist operations by deploying additional forces, enhancing intelligence gathering, and developing critical infrastructure such as roads and communication towers in hard-to-reach locations. Gadchiroli, a key hotspot, recorded major successes in 2025, with over 150 Maoists surrendering. A pivotal moment occurred in October when 61 cadres, led by senior leader Bhupathi (Mallojula Venugopal Rao), laid down their arms. Nationally, 2025 saw more than 1,225 Maoist surrenders—the highest number recorded to date.
Modernization of Police Forces and Digital Systems
The Budget also allocates approximately ₹450 crore, an increase of around ₹178 crore, for the modernization of state police forces and the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network System (CCTNS). A senior official emphasized that these funds will enable Maharashtra Police to procure advanced weapons, vehicles, communication equipment, and digital crime-tracking systems. Such upgrades are crucial in remote areas like Gadchiroli, where operational challenges demand modern solutions to combat insurgency effectively.
Additional Support for Criminal Justice and Development
Further bolstering the anti-Maoist campaign, the Budget includes ₹550 crore for the Inter Operable Criminal Justice System, which facilitates faster data-sharing among police, courts, and forensic laboratories to expedite cases against Maoist operatives. Security agency sources also noted allocations for border roads (₹5,577 crore) and the Vibrant Villages programme (₹300 crore), aimed at bringing schools, healthcare facilities, and employment opportunities to tribal areas. These initiatives seek to reduce Maoist influence by improving living conditions and fostering development.
Consolidating Gains with Central Support
Sources within the Maharashtra Police indicate that the strengthened funding framework, combined with continued support from central forces such as the CRPF (₹38,518 crore) and BSF (₹29,568 crore), will further consolidate the gains made in 2025. An official from the anti-Maoist operations wing stated, "With sustained pressure, increased surrenders, and accelerated development, Maoist influence is rapidly declining. This Budget will help make Maharashtra Naxal-free in the near future." The comprehensive approach underscores a concerted effort to eradicate Left Wing Extremism through both security measures and socio-economic development.
