Number of naxal-affected districts reduced to 68: Rajnath Singh

 The number of naxal-affected districts has seen a decline from 106 to 68, Home Minister Rajnath Singh told the Lok Sabha today.

He said as of now 35 districts are the most affected, spread across seven states like Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Telangana and Maharashtra. Replying to a debate on the Demand for Grants of the Home Ministry, Singh said Leader of Congress Mallikarjun Kharge had given selective figures on the issue of naxalism. "Their number is decreasing and will decrease further," the Home Minister said while noting that the Centre shares forces and intelligence with the states besides the financial assistance in dealing with the problem. The Centre as well as states have also undertaken a number of developmental works in naxal affected areas, the Home Minister said.

Elaborating, he said in 35 districts, 358 new bank branches, 752 ATMs and 1789 post offices have been opened over the last two years.