Chhattisgarh Government Reduces Security for Around 400 Leaders Following Security Review

Overview of Security Reductions in Chhattisgarh

The Chhattisgarh government has reportedly decided to reduce the security cover for approximately 400 leaders across the state. According to Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Vijay Sharma, the decision has been finalized, and the final official notification is currently pending.

Reports indicate that the security levels are being adjusted gradually rather than being removed entirely at once. Under this phased approach, the security grade for affected individuals is lowered by one tier. For instance, individuals previously holding Z+ security have been moved to the Z category, Z category security has been reduced to Y+, and Y+ security has been lowered to the Y category. Officials stated that another review and potential grade reduction will take place after six months.

Resource Allocation and Potential Savings

Initial reports suggest that the security arrangements for these leaders previously involved more than 1,500 police personnel and over 500 vehicles. The total annual expenditure on this deployment, including personnel and vehicles, is estimated at around ₹150 crore.

Authorities indicated that reducing this deployment aims to redirect police personnel back to standard field duties while decreasing administrative expenditure. A significant portion of the security personnel, including over 1,000 personnel deployed for more than 250 leaders, has historically been concentrated in the Bastar region due to previous security concerns.

Notable Figures and Historical Context

Several prominent political figures in the state have historically received high-level security deployments due to security considerations in affected regions. These include:

• Cabinet Minister Kedar Kashyap
• Former Member of Parliament Chandan Kashyap
• State Congress President Deepak Baij
• Senior BJP leader and former minister Mahesh Gagda
• Bastar royal family member Praveer Chandra Bhanjdev
• Assembly Speaker Dr. Raman Singh (who receives security from the central government)

Historically, the Bastar region faced significant security challenges, leading to extensive police deployments for elected representatives and political figures facing threats.

Practical Implications and Verification

Citizens and observers seeking to verify these administrative changes should monitor official notifications released by the Government of Chhattisgarh's Home Department. Independent verification of expenditure and personnel redeployment typically relies on official state budget documents, legislative questions, and formal press releases issued by the state government.