crpf-distributes-radios-in-bastar-to-counter-maoist-ideology

The CRPF has distributed over 10,800 radio sets across Naxal-affected areas of Bastar in Chhattisgarh, aiming to promote national awareness and encourage locals to move away from Maoist ideology, officials said.

 

The month-long civic action programme, completed recently, involved hundreds of public events in villages across seven districts of the Bastar region. Initiated by the Ministry of Home Affairs with a budget of Rs 1.62 crore, the initiative targeted around 54,000 individuals, assuming an average family size of five, a senior CRPF official stated.

 

"The aim of the mega radio distribution drive is to connect the locals, tribals and villagers with the mainstream of the country," a CRPF officer based in Bijapur said.

 

The exercise is part of the Union government’s broader mission to eliminate Naxalism by March 2026, combining armed operations with awareness and welfare initiatives.

"While the force is working to achieve the Union government's declared target of ending Naxalism from the country by March 2026, these measures are part of engaging with the local community to wean them away from Maoist ideology so that the gains achieved by armed operations are anchored by awareness and welfare initiatives," a second officer said.

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The radios relay government programmes, entertainment content, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s monthly ‘Mann Ki Baat’ address. The Union government has also directed the CRPF to facilitate installation of additional radio towers in remote areas to improve connectivity.

 

Each of the 180 CRPF companies deployed in Bastar received 60 radios for distribution. The sets can be powered by dry batteries or a power board and support FM, MW, and SW modes, with each unit costing around Rs 1,500.

 

Chosen for the campaign due to their forward operating presence in Naxal-violent zones, CRPF personnel coordinated the drive while continuing their anti-Naxal operations, ensuring engagement with local communities alongside security duties.