India Nears Freedom from Left-Wing Extremism: Multi-pronged Strategy Success
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India has achieved a significant reduction in Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) incidents and its geographical spread.
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The government's multi-pronged strategy, combining robust security measures with socio-economic development initiatives, is credited for this success.
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The number of LWE-affected districts has substantially decreased, indicating a shrinking 'Red Corridor'.
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Enhanced security operations, improved infrastructure, and focus on tribal rights have been key drivers in mitigating the LWE threat.
- ●LWE incidents have seen a drastic decline, with a reported 70% reduction in violence and an 80% decrease in related deaths since 2010.
- ●The geographical footprint of LWE has contracted significantly, with the number of affected districts falling from 90 to 45.
- ●The government's strategy involves a three-pronged approach: robust security response, development interventions, and ensuring rights and entitlements of local communities.
- ●The Ministry of Home Affairs plays a pivotal role in coordinating the anti-LWE efforts across states.
Security Related Expenditure (SRE) Scheme
To reimburse security-related expenses to LWE-affected states.
Key: Covers ex-gratia payments, capacity building, and operational costs.
Special Infrastructure Scheme (SIS)
To fund critical infrastructure projects in LWE-affected areas.
Key: Includes construction of police stations, training centers, and helipads.
Road Requirement Plan (RRP)
To improve road connectivity in LWE-affected areas.
Key: Facilitates movement of security forces and promotes economic activity.
Aspirational Districts Programme
To improve socio-economic indicators in identified backward districts.
Key: Many LWE-affected districts are part of this programme, focusing on health, education, agriculture, and infrastructure.
Surrender and Rehabilitation Policy
To encourage LWE cadres to lay down arms and rejoin mainstream society.
Key: Provides financial assistance, vocational training, and social reintegration support.
Internal Security
LWE is a major component of India's internal security challenges, alongside terrorism, insurgency, and communal violence.
Socio-Economic Development
The root causes of LWE often include poverty, inequality, lack of land reforms, and inadequate access to basic services, linking it directly to development issues.
Governance
Effective governance, including law enforcement, justice delivery, and public service provision, is critical in addressing LWE and preventing its resurgence.
Tribal Rights
Issues related to forest rights, land alienation, and displacement of tribal communities are often exploited by LWE groups to gain support.
Exam Relevance
GS Paper III: Internal Security Challenges; Linkages between development and spread of extremism; Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security.
General Awareness: Current Affairs, Indian Polity & Governance, Major Government Schemes.
General Knowledge: Internal Security, Defence Strategy, Role of Paramilitary Forces.
General Awareness: Current Events, Indian Polity.
Previously Asked (PYQs)
Consider the following statements: 1. Other than those made by humans, nanoparticles do not exist in nature. 2. Nanoparticles of some metallic oxides are used in the manufacture of some cosmetics. 3. Nanoparticles of some commercial products which enter the environment are unsafe for humans. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: 2 and 3
Magnetite particles, suspected to cause neurodegenerative problems, are generated as environmental pollutants from which of the following? 1. Brakes of motor vehicles 2. Engines of motor vehicles 3. Microwave stoves within homes 4. Power plants 5. Telephone lines Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Answer: 1, 2 and 4 only
Consider the following activities: 1. Spraying pesticides on a crop field 2. Inspecting the craters of active volcanoes 3. Collecting breath samples from spouting whales for DNA analysis At the present level of technology, which of the above activities can be successfully carried out by using drones?
Answer: 1, 2 and 3
Expected Questions
- ★UPSC may ask: 'Analyze the multi-pronged strategy adopted by the Indian government to combat Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) and evaluate its effectiveness in addressing both security and developmental challenges.'
- ★SSC may ask: 'In which Indian state did the Naxalbari movement, associated with the origin of Left-Wing Extremism, primarily begin?'
- ★Defence exams may ask: 'What is the primary objective of the Security Related Expenditure (SRE) scheme in LWE-affected areas?'
Topic Frequency
High for UPSC Mains GS-III, moderate for UPSC Prelims, and occasional for SSC/Defence general awareness.
Key Terms
A form of internal security threat in India, primarily driven by Maoist ideology, aiming to overthrow the state through armed struggle.
A term used to describe the LWE movement, named after Naxalbari village in West Bengal where the movement originated in 1967.
A region in central and eastern India that has historically experienced significant LWE activity and influence, now considerably shrunk.
An elite anti-Naxalite force primarily operating in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, known for its specialized training and effectiveness in jungle warfare.
Must Remember
- •The government's strategy against LWE is a holistic approach combining security operations, development initiatives, and protection of local rights.
- •Significant reduction in LWE violence and geographical spread has been achieved due to sustained efforts.
- •Key schemes like SRE, SIS, and RRP are instrumental in supporting states to combat LWE and foster development.
Exam Tips
- •Understand the historical context and ideological roots of LWE.
- •Focus on the government's multi-pronged strategy and specific schemes implemented to counter LWE.
- •Be aware of the geographical distribution of LWE and the concept of the 'Red Corridor'.
- •Connect LWE to broader themes of internal security, governance, and socio-economic development for comprehensive understanding.