BHUBANESWAR: Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah asserted on March 6 that India will be completely free from Maoism by March 31, 2026. He highlighted the sustained operations by security forces and the Centre’s firm resolve to eradicate this decades-long insurgency.
The Home Minister made the statement while addressing the 57th Raising Day celebrations of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) at Mundali in Cuttack, Odisha. During his visit to the state, Shah also inaugurated and laid foundation stones for development projects worth Rs 3,770 crore, including the Sulphuric Acid Plant–III at Paradip and several initiatives in the cooperative, security, and infrastructure sectors.
तिरुपति से पशुपति तक रेड कॉरिडोर का सपना देखने वाले नक्सलियों को 31 मार्च 2026 तक हमारे सुरक्षा बल पूरी तरह परास्त कर देंगे। pic.twitter.com/rfo8ubsjR0
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) March 6, 2026
The events were attended by Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, BJP state president Manmohan Samal, and several other leaders and officials.
India Nears the End of the Naxal Insurgency
Speaking at the CISF ceremony, Shah said India is now on the threshold of ending Naxalism, a security challenge that has affected several states for decades.
“I assure the citizens of the country that India will be free from Naxalism by March 31, 2026,” he said, crediting coordinated operations by central and state security forces.
CISF के स्थापना दिवस समारोह में बल के कर्मियों और वीर जवानों से संवाद किया।
औद्योगिक क्षेत्रों, हवाई अड्डों और महत्त्वपूर्ण संस्थानों की सुरक्षा से लेकर सेवा व पर्यावरण संरक्षण, हर क्षेत्र में अपनी अलग पहचान बनाने वाली CISF पर हर देशवासी को गर्व है। pic.twitter.com/xWw200Y8sB— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) March 6, 2026
Naxalism, also known as Left-Wing Extremism, has historically affected states such as Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Telangana, and parts of Andhra Pradesh. Shah noted that in recent years the influence of extremist groups has significantly declined due to intensified security operations and development initiatives in affected regions.
The Home Minister also warned against attempts to establish a so-called “Red Corridor” stretching from Tirupati in southern India to Pashupati in Nepal.
“Our security forces will completely defeat those who dream of creating such a corridor and establish peace and stability,” Shah said, adding that the elimination of Naxalism would be a major achievement under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
CISF’s Role in National Security
During his address, Shah praised the Central Industrial Security Force for its contributions to combating insurgency and protecting strategic installations across the country.
“Whether in Odisha, Chhattisgarh, or Telangana, the CISF has made significant contributions in the fight against Naxalism,” he said.
Established in 1969, the CISF is responsible for safeguarding critical infrastructure, including airports, power plants, ports, metro systems, and major industrial units. The force also assists other security agencies during emergencies and internal security operations.
Shah commended CISF personnel for their dedication and sacrifices over the past five decades.
“I extend my gratitude to the CISF jawans and their families on the occasion of the 57th Raising Day for their dedication to protecting the nation,” he said.
The Home Minister emphasised that industrial security is vital for economic growth, noting that India’s ambition to become a global economic leader requires strong protection for its industrial infrastructure.
“Making India the world’s leading economy cannot be achieved without industrial development, and safeguarding that development requires a strong national industrial security force,” he added.
Shah also highlighted that the CISF has successfully adapted to evolving security challenges by combining traditional values of bravery and sacrifice with modern training and advanced weaponry.
Major Development Projects Worth Rs 3,770 Crore
Shah inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for several development initiatives worth ₹3,770 crore in Odisha during multiple programs held in Bhubaneswar, Paradeep, and Jatani. These included projects from the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Cooperation, and the Odisha Government.
आज भुवनेश्वर में ओडिशा की पहली नेशनल फॉरेंसिक साइंस यूनिवर्सिटी कैंपस और सेंट्रल फॉरेंसिक साइंस लेबोरेटरी का भूमिपूजन किया। हर वर्ष 2500 फॉरेंसिक विशेषज्ञों को प्रशिक्षित करने की क्षमता वाला यह परिसर न्यायपूर्ण समाज निर्माण में अहम भूमिका निभाएगा।
ଆଜି ଭୁବନେଶ୍ୱରରେ ଓଡ଼ିଶାର ପ୍ରଥମ… pic.twitter.com/W11Ei5d4bZ
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) March 6, 2026
According to Shah, three projects of the Ministry of Home Affairs, four projects of the Ministry of Cooperation, and 173 projects of the Odisha Government were inaugurated or launched during the visit.
Out of the state government’s initiatives
61 projects worth Rs 1,230 crore have been completed, and 112 projects worth ₹2,116 crore were inaugurated or had their foundation stones laid.
Shah described the occasion as an important milestone for Odisha’s development, saying the projects would accelerate infrastructure growth, strengthen law enforcement, and create employment opportunities.
National Forensic Sciences University Campus for Odisha
Among the major announcements was the foundation stone for a campus of the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) in Odisha.
The temporary campus of the university was also inaugurated during the event. The National Forensic Sciences University will offer 30 specialised courses in forensic science and related disciplines once fully operational.
Shah said the campus will provide job-oriented education to students and help strengthen the criminal justice system.
“The campus will be fully operational within three years and will provide education to around 2,500 students,” he said.
भुवनेश्वर में गृह मंत्रालय, सहकारिता क्षेत्र और ओडिशा सरकार की कुल ₹3773 करोड़ की विभिन्न परियोजनाओं का लोकार्पण, शिलान्यास किया। डेयरी, शिक्षा, स्वास्थ्य, इन्फ्रास्ट्रक्चर, टूरिज्म और नए कानूनों की ट्रेनिंग संबंधी इन कार्यों से प्रदेश में सुशासन को बढ़ावा मिलेगा तथा युवाओं के… pic.twitter.com/NpNMBCYXnw
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) March 6, 2026
He added that graduates from these programmes will have strong employment prospects and will help improve law enforcement capabilities across the country.
Focus on New Criminal Laws
The Home Minister also inaugurated an exhibition explaining India’s new criminal laws in simplified language for citizens, lawyers, judges, and police officers.
Shah said the reforms represent a historic transformation of India’s criminal justice system.
“After nearly 150 years, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the country is now being governed through laws enacted by the Indian Parliament in accordance with the Constitution of India,” he said.
The reforms replaced colonial-era laws with new legislation aimed at delivering faster and more transparent justice.
Shah said the government has set a goal that cases arising from an FIR should reach the Supreme Court within three years by 2028, significantly reducing delays in the justice system.
A key provision in the new laws is the mandatory involvement of Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) teams in crimes punishable with more than seven years of imprisonment.
To support this effort, the government is expanding forensic infrastructure across the country by establishing new laboratories and NFSU campuses.
Shah also praised Odisha for achieving an 87 per cent conviction rate in FIRs registered under the new criminal laws, attributing the success to the use of scientific evidence and forensic methods.
Strengthening Cybercrime and Economic Offence Units
As part of the state government’s initiatives, cybercrime and economic offence branches have been launched in 20 districts of Odisha.
Shah said these units will enhance the state’s capacity to tackle modern crimes such as financial fraud, cyberattacks, and digital scams.
The development reflects the government’s effort to modernise law enforcement in response to emerging threats.
Boost to Cooperative Sector and Dairy Development
A major focus of Shah’s visit was strengthening the cooperative sector in Odisha.
He announced several initiatives in partnership with the Odisha Government to expand dairy cooperatives and rural economic activities.
Shah said Odisha has abundant water resources and significant potential for dairy development, but previous administrations had not adequately harnessed this opportunity.
“The Government of India and the Government of Odisha will work together to build a strong cooperative base in every village, on the lines of the Gujarat model,” he said.
The initiative aims to integrate dairies across the state and provide better income opportunities for farmers.
He also highlighted the role of the state-run cooperative dairy federation Odisha State Cooperative Milk Producers’ Federation (OMFED), which will collaborate with the National Dairy Development Board to expand milk production and marketing.
Shah said a special campaign will be launched to establish dairy cooperatives in villages, particularly benefiting women and rural households.
He also praised the Odisha Government for implementing its promise of procuring rice at ₹3,100 per quintal and for extending benefits of the Subhadra Yojana to one crore women.
Revival of Sugar Mills and Fisheries Development
Another significant announcement was the revival of the Badamba Sugar Mill, which has been restarted by Indian Potash Limited with support from the Ministry of Cooperation.
Shah said the government aims to revive all closed sugar mills across the country through cooperative efforts.
He also emphasised strengthening fisheries through cooperative models, which would boost seafood exports and improve the livelihoods of coastal communities.
Inauguration of Sulphuric Acid Plant–III at Paradip
During his visit, Shah inaugurated Sulphuric Acid Plant–III at Paradip, developed by the cooperative fertilizer giant IFFCO.
The project is expected to enhance domestic production of sulphuric acid, a key raw material for fertilizer manufacturing.
Shah said the new plant would help make India self-reliant in sulphuric acid production, reducing dependence on imports.
He noted that the Paradip unit was originally acquired by IFFCO in 2005 for ₹2,577 crore, when its production capacity was 7.5 lakh metric tonnes.
Today, the facility’s capacity has increased to 22 lakh metric tonnes, making it one of the largest units of its kind.
According to Shah, about 15 percent of production is blended fertilizer, while 40 percent contributes to indigenous production of Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP).
He said IFFCO and Krishak Bharati Cooperative Limited (KRIBHCO) will work together to make the country fully self-reliant in sulphuric acid production.
Promoting Sustainable Agriculture
Shah also highlighted IFFCO’s initiatives to promote sustainable agriculture and reduce excessive use of chemical fertilizers.
The cooperative has launched innovative products such as Nano Urea and Nano DAP, which aim to improve nutrient efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
He also mentioned the government’s PM-PRANAM scheme (PM Programme for Restoration, Awareness Generation, Nourishment and Amelioration of Mother Earth), which encourages balanced fertilizer usage and soil conservation.
“IFFCO has launched a movement to reduce excessive use of chemical fertilizers,” Shah said, adding that these initiatives will help protect soil health while maintaining agricultural productivity.
Cooperative Model Empowering Farmers
Shah described IFFCO as a global example of the cooperative model, emphasizing that its financial success ultimately benefits farmers.
“IFFCO’s turnover of more than ₹41,000 crore, profit exceeding ₹3,800 crore, and net worth above ₹28,000 crore belong to five crore farmers of the country,” he said.
The cooperative structure ensures that profits are distributed among its members, who are primarily farmers.“This is the true miracle of the cooperative model,” Shah said.
Political Remarks and Development Vision
During his address, Shah also criticized the main opposition party, accusing it of attempting to create negative politics and defame India internationally.
He said India’s development story is gaining global recognition due to strong economic growth and international partnerships.
Shah highlighted that India has signed multiple Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) in recent years, including with Mauritius (2021), the UAE and Australia (2022), EFTA countries (2024), the UK, Oman, and New Zealand (2025), and the European Union (2026).
These agreements, he said, would boost trade and accelerate economic growth.
India recorded 8.2 percent GDP growth in the previous quarter, Shah noted, adding that the country is expected to maintain around 8 percent growth in the current quarter.
“India has become the fastest-growing economy in the world, and this momentum will continue,” he said.
Development Push for Odisha
Shah also emphasised that Odisha would play a significant role in India’s future development.
He said the “double-engine government”—a term used to describe the same political party governing both the state and the Centre—would accelerate the state’s progress.
According to Shah, Odisha’s development had stagnated for more than two decades, but the new government aims to transform the state within five years.
He noted that voters in Odisha gave 20 out of 21 Lok Sabha seats to the BJP in the last general election and formed a majority government in the state.
Shah said both the central and state governments would work together to bridge the development gap and bring Odisha into the list of developed states.
Focus on Tribal and Rural Development
Addressing concerns about regions affected by Naxalism, Shah said the government would prioritize development in tribal and remote areas that had been deprived of growth due to insurgency.
He said infrastructure, education, healthcare, and employment opportunities would be expanded in these areas.
“The government is committed to working at double speed for the development of every tribal who had been deprived of progress due to Naxalism,” he said.
Vision for Developed India by 2047
Shah concluded his visit by reiterating the government’s long-term vision of transforming India into a developed nation by 2047, marking 100 years of independence.
He said the CISF, cooperative institutions, industrial infrastructure, and agricultural reforms would all play crucial roles in achieving this goal.
“By strengthening security, empowering farmers, and accelerating industrial growth, we are building the foundation of a developed India,” Shah said.
He added that both the Government of India and the Government of Odisha are committed to ensuring prosperity, peace, and sustainable development for the state and the nation.
