The entire Gadchiroli district and four talukas in Gondia remain “Naxal-infested”, according to the Maharashtra government, reported news agency PTI.
The Naxal tag has raised eyebrows as Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had declared part of Gadchiroli “free of Maoist activities” over five months ago and asserted south Gadchiroli would soon be rid of the Maoist menace.
A government resolution (GR) on Friday stated Gondia, Salekasa, Devri, and Arjuni Morgaon talukas in Gondia district and the entire Gadchiroli district are Naxal-infested, reported PTI.
It said the declaration is based on the Central government`s list of Naxal-affected areas.
Gadchiroli is often referred to as the last district of Maharashtra as it is on the state`s eastern border.
After felicitating C 60 commandos in January, Fadnavis said Maharashtra will soon become free of Naxal menace given the rise in the number of Maoists laying down their arms and the movement failing to attract recruits, reported PTI.
“Gadchiroli Police almost eradicated Naxal activities in the district. North Gadchiroli is now free of Maoist activities, and south Gadchiroli will soon become free from Naxals,” he had told reporters, claiming that the dominance of Naxalites in remote areas of Gadchiroli district was waning, reported PTI.
The government has started the process to make Gadchrioli the “first district” by eliminating the dominance of Maoists, he said.
From Naxal-hit to investment hub: Gadkari highlights Gadchiroli’s revival
Once known as a stronghold of Naxalite activity, Gadchiroli district in Maharashtra is now witnessing a wave of positive transformation driven by education, infrastructure, and employment, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said in April this year.
The Minister made these remarks while addressing the ‘Karmayogi’ programme organised by the Kai Laxmanrao Mankar Smruti Sanstha in Mumbai. Reflecting on the district’s past, Gadkari recalled visiting Gadchiroli nearly three decades ago during a tense electoral campaign period. “Twenty-nine years ago, Gadchiroli was infamous for Naxal violence. The police had to surround me during my visit,” he said. “But today, there are 1,200 teachers and 30,000 students in the district.”
The Minister expressed optimism about further expanding the region’s educational reach. “We aim to increase the number of students from 30,000 to one lakh,” he added, stressing that education and employment are pivotal to sustainable peace in areas previously affected by extremism.
Gadkari further noted that local engagement had played a crucial role in pacifying tensions. ANI reports that approximately 3,000 former Naxalites have renounced violence and taken up gainful employment after being offered work opportunities. “When people have work, they change their path,” he said.
The Minister also revealed that investments worth Rs 6.5 lakh crore are anticipated in the region, crediting Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for facilitating these developments through engagements in Davos. According to ANI, Gadkari emphasised that a majority of the employment opportunities would be directed towards local youth, saying, “Eighty per cent of local children have been assured jobs.”
(With inputs from PTI and ANI)
