Jagdalpur

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday said the battle against Naxalism would only truly end when formerly affected regions achieve development levels comparable to the rest of the country.

Addressing the 26th meeting of the Central Zonal Council in Jagdalpur, Shah said the gathering held special significance as it was the first such meeting in Bastar after India was declared Naxal-free on March 31 this year.

The meeting was attended by Vishnu Deo Sai, Mohan Yadav, Yogi Adityanath and Pushkar Singh Dhami, along with senior officials from the member states and the Centre.

Highlighting the strategic importance of Chhattisgarh, Shah said the state connects nearly seven regions and noted that the Central Zone had become “free from both Naxalism and disputes.”

“This is a very significant achievement. Chhattisgarh connects nearly seven states, which gives the entire Central Zone immense strategic importance. This entire region has become not only Naxal-free but also free from disputes, which is a matter of great joy for all of us,” Shah said.

He stressed that despite security gains, the development deficit in former Naxal-affected areas remains a major concern.

“Our fight is not over yet because the Naxal-affected areas have been lagging behind in the race for development for nearly five decades,” Shah said, adding that the effort would continue until these areas are brought at par with the rest of the country.

The Home Minister credited security forces, intelligence agencies, state police and Central Armed Police Forces for the success of anti-Naxal operations. He also highlighted the “Whole of Government Approach,” under which development initiatives were simultaneously expanded in areas freed from insurgency.

Shah praised the Chhattisgarh government for close coordination with the Union Home Ministry, saying leadership at the state level played a key role in transforming Bastar into a Naxal-free region.

Referring to the functioning of Zonal Councils, Shah said only 11 meetings were held between 2004 and 2014, compared to 32 meetings between 2014 and 2026. He added that Standing Committee meetings rose from 14 during the earlier period to 35 in the last 12 years.

According to Shah, discussions during 2014-2026 covered 1,729 issues, of which nearly 80 per cent have been resolved.

The Home Minister urged member states to prioritise implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission-2 and ensure piped drinking water reaches every household.

He also identified health, nutrition and social welfare as sensitive areas requiring urgent attention, particularly in rural and underdeveloped regions.

Calling for stronger coordination in tackling malnutrition, Shah asked all chief ministers and chief secretaries to work “shoulder to shoulder” with the Centre.

The Home Minister further emphasised the need to reduce school dropout rates, improve the quality of education, strengthen financial inclusion and accelerate power sector reforms.

He appealed for at least half of the policy focus to remain on rural development and empowerment-oriented schemes.

Shah also stressed the importance of expanding banking access within a five-kilometre radius in rural areas to facilitate Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)-based welfare schemes.

Among other issues discussed were timely DNA testing in POCSO and rape cases, establishment of special courts for speedy disposal of long-pending cases, strengthening cybercrime helplines and improving the implementation of the new criminal justice laws.

He said the country should aim to ensure that every criminal case, including those reaching the Supreme Court, is disposed of within three years before 2029.

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The meeting was organised by the Inter-State Council Secretariat under the Ministry of Home Affairs, with the Chhattisgarh government hosting the event.