IPS Aaditya Mishra is a 2018 Batch officer of Madhya Pradesh cadre and is currently posted as Superintendent of Police in Balaghat, one of India’s most Naxal-affected districts. His mission is to empower tribal and marginalised communities by bringing welfare rights and development to their doorstep. His approach is simple yet transformative replacing fear with access, ensuring every villager receives their rights with dignity.

At the heart of this effort is Ekal Suvidha Kendra (Single Facility Centre) initiative,a one stop solution for all basic government services. Whether they need certificates or help with welfare schemes, everything is available in one place.Under this initiative 46 police stations, outposts and security camps in the Naxal-affected areas of Baihar, Lanji and Paraswada have been turned into community service centres that provide support and essential facilities.

Recognising that extremist groups have pushed the narrative that the administration is anti-tribal and indifferent to local needs.Government schemes rarely reached the interiors because of fear, mistrust and bureaucratic hurdles.Mishra challenged this narrative head-on by turning police units into accessible service centres ensuring villagers no longer travel long distances or navigate multiple offices to access basic services.

Based on the philosophy “If people cannot reach the administration, the administration will reach them”

Ekal Suvidha Kendras assist in filling crucial forms and applications, including caste certificates, domicile certificates, and Forest Rights Act(FRA) claims. Specially trained personnel,known as Ekal Suvidha Mitras guide villagers through documentation, submit applications on their behalf and follow up until certificates are issued often delivering them back at the camps. This single-window system eliminates delays and prevents exploitation by middlemen.

The impact has been significant.

•  3,222 Forest Rights claims have been filed.
•  1,340 caste certificates and 364 residence certificates have been issued.
• Over 700 Aadhaar and 50 Samagra ID updates have been completed.

The Kendras go beyond paperwork.Realising that healthcare is another major gap in remote areas, Balaghat Police has organised medical camps offering free check-ups, medicines, and even transportation for further treatment. These camps have provided 600 malaria tests, 125 eye examinations leading to 43 cataract surgeries and 1,500 general health check-ups delivering relief to communities that rarely receive medical support.

Another standout efforts under the initiative is the Ekal Suvidha Rozgaar Mela, a first-of-its-kind employment fair for unskilled youth in Naxal-affected villages.More than 900 young people participated, with support from prominent companies including Larsen & Toubro (L&T). Over 100 candidates received offer letters, opening new avenues of livelihood and reducing the vulnerability of youth.

The Ekal Suvidha model is setting a new benchmark for community policing by directly tackling the roots of Naxalism. Mishra’s initiative demonstrates a new era of policing that goes beyond enforcement to become tool for inclusion, peace, development and lasting positive change.