Raipur: In a major change to its VIP security arrangements, the Chhattisgarh government has decided to reduce security cover for politicians and public representatives following a decline in the influence of armed Naxalism in the state.

Under the new plan, the security level of 116 public representatives and prominent personalities will be downgraded by one category, while security cover for 40 individuals will be completely withdrawn. Security arrangements for more than 50 others will also be rationalised.

The move is expected to initially free around 200 police personnel from VIP security duties, allowing them to be redeployed for general law and order responsibilities.

The decision has been taken on the directions of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Vijay Sharma.

According to reports from Raipur, the decision follows a six-month assessment by intelligence agencies and security committees to evaluate the threat perception of individuals receiving police protection. Home Minister Vijay Sharma has also reduced his own security cover.

However, the government has clarified that security will not be withdrawn from everyone at once. The changes will be implemented in phases, depending on the prevailing situation and individual threat assessments.

Under the revised arrangements, the security cover of nine prominent politicians currently receiving Z-Plus protection will be downgraded to Z category. Similarly, individuals with Z-category security will receive Y-Plus protection, while those with Y-Plus cover will be moved to Y-category security.

The decision covers leaders from both the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and the opposition Congress.

Home Minister Vijay Sharma said the government had initially aimed to end armed Maoist extremism in the Bastar region by March 31, 2026. However, an immediate withdrawal of security after that deadline would not have been appropriate. The government therefore monitored the situation for six months before taking the decision.

A fresh security review will be conducted after another six months. Depending on the assessment, further reductions in security cover may also be considered.

Currently, around 1,550 police personnel and more than 500 vehicles are deployed to provide security to approximately 350 politicians in Chhattisgarh. The annual expenditure on these arrangements is estimated at around ₹150 crore.

With the security situation improving in the Naxal-affected Bastar region, the government aims to utilise more police personnel for public safety and general law enforcement. The move is also expected to help the administration focus more on development and tourism in the region.