Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday, 15 October 2026, addressed a rehabilitation ceremony for Naxal-affected persons with disabilities in Chhattisgarh via video conferencing, reaffirming the Centre's commitment to healing decades of wounds inflicted by Left-Wing Extremism (LWE). The event was held under the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan, organised to mark 25 years of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's public service as both Chief Minister and Prime Minister of India.

What the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan Covers

The Seva Sankalp Abhiyan is being run across the country as a nationwide service initiative. In Chhattisgarh, the programme specifically targets tribal communities whose members became persons with disabilities — Divyangjan — due to Naxal violence, including those who lost limbs, developed hearing impairments, or lost their eyesight. The campaign arranges prosthetic limbs, hearing aids, and other assistive devices to help them lead independent lives.

'On the completion of 25 years as Head of Government by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, such Seva Sankalp Abhiyans are being run across the country. I am delighted that under this, tribals in Chhattisgarh who suffered disabilities due to Naxalism are being provided with prosthetics,' Shah said while addressing the Naxal-affected beneficiaries.

Rehabilitation by the Numbers

Providing a detailed account of rehabilitation efforts, Shah said approximately 8,526 Naxalites have surrendered so far. Bank accounts have been opened for nearly 7,500 persons who previously had none. Incentive amounts have been disbursed to 782 persons, jobs provided to 455 persons, and land allotted to 129 persons.

Under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, houses have been given to 2,014 families. Skill-development training has been imparted to more than 2,300 tribal youth. Nearly 6,700 new ration cards have been issued, 2,800 families have received free electricity connections, 372 new road projects have been initiated, and 670 bridges are currently under construction. Aadhaar cards have been issued to 48,526 people, and several panchayats have been recognised for outstanding performance.

Security Camps to Be Converted into Development Centres

In a significant policy shift, Shah announced that more than 500 security camps set up in earlier years would gradually be converted into development centres. 'The very places where our security forces once sat to protect you will now house officers of the Government of India and the Government of Chhattisgarh. From these centres, they will look after children's health, ensure education, create employment opportunities for youth, purchase forest produce from tribals at fair prices, and arrange free foodgrain distribution,' he said.

He expressed confidence that once these public-service centres become fully functional, the resolve to take Bastar forward will be fulfilled.

Bastar's Cultural Revival and the Road Ahead

Shah recalled his visit to the Bastar Olympics, noting the transformation of a region once dominated by the sound of guns into one where thousands of young men and women now participate in sports and keep their rich tribal traditions alive. He cited the revival of tribal art and culture in Bastar as a major effort to reconnect communities with their roots.

Highlighting the human dimension of recovery, Shah referenced a beneficiary's account shared on social media: 'After three years, I am now able to lift a glass with my own hand and drink water by myself.' The Home Minister said hearing this filled his heart with joy.

Shah acknowledged that the end of Naxalism does not erase the suffering endured over five decades, stressing that the government must make sustained efforts to help affected people rebuild their lives with dignity. He thanked the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh for organising the programme, and extended gratitude to associate institutions from Jaipur for their contribution in providing artificial limbs and other assistive devices.