Centre Sanctions Rs 195 Crore for Rural Roads in LWE-Affected Chhattisgarh

In a decisive move to accelerate development in conflict-affected regions, the Government of India has sanctioned Rs 195 crore to the State Government of Chhattisgarh for the financial year 2025–26. The funding, provided under the Road Connectivity Project for Left Wing Extremism Affected Areas (RCPLWEA), is targeted at improving infrastructure and accessibility in some of the state’s most remote and challenging terrains.

This substantial allocation aims to directly address the needs of rural, forested, and Left Wing Extremism (LWE)-impacted districts, where poor road connectivity has long been a barrier to growth, governance, and effective security operations.

Strategic Funding Through the SNA-SPARSH Model

The central assistance has been approved in line with the Ministry of Finance’s “Just-in-Time” fund release mechanism using the Single Nodal Agency (SNA) SPARSH model—a transparent, real-time payment system for Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS). This approach ensures efficient fund disbursal, minimizes delays, and enhances oversight and accountability at the state level.

• Programme Fund: Rs 190.6125 crore

• Administrative Fund: Rs 4.3875 crore

The majority of the grant will go toward on-the-ground construction, upgradation, and maintenance of rural roads, while a smaller component is reserved for essential administrative and project management needs.

Focus on Rural Development, Connectivity, and Security

The RCPLWEA is a flagship initiative under the Ministry of Rural Development, specifically designed to bring last-mile road connectivity to villages and habitations in regions affected by Left Wing Extremism. The scheme is critical for:

• Facilitating access to education, healthcare, and markets for rural populations

• Boosting economic activity and social inclusion in underserved regions

• Improving mobility for police, security forces, and administrative staff for more effective law enforcement and government outreach

• Promoting peace, stability, and integration of isolated communities into the national mainstream

By connecting remote settlements, the government hopes to tackle both developmental and security challenges, weakening the roots of extremism and fostering greater participation in governance and nation-building.

Ministry’s Call for Speedy Implementation

The Ministry of Rural Development has urged the Chhattisgarh government to expedite the utilisation of the sanctioned funds and ensure strict compliance with all scheme guidelines. The Centre expects the state to prioritize areas most in need and adopt transparent processes for tendering, construction, and monitoring.

State agencies are encouraged to leverage the SNA-SPARSH platform for real-time tracking of fund flows and project milestones, minimizing leakages and ensuring that resources reach the grassroots swiftly and effectively.

Broader National Vision: Security Through Development

The latest funding is part of the central government’s sustained efforts to mainstream LWE-affected regions through infrastructure-led development, a strategy that complements security and policing initiatives with genuine socio-economic transformation.

Since its inception, the RCPLWEA has played a pivotal role in reducing the isolation of vulnerable districts, paving the way for better public service delivery, poverty reduction, and the creation of new economic opportunities for local communities.

The initiative aligns with India’s larger goal of inclusive growth, rural prosperity, and internal security, as envisioned under the government’s vision for a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047.