Union Government Sets March 2026 Deadline to Eradicate Left Wing Extremism
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A former MHA official noted the continuous nature of the Maoist campaign across different government tenures.
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The period between 2006 and 2009 was identified as the most challenging phase in combating Left Wing Extremism (LWE).
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Union Home Minister Amit Shah has set a definitive deadline of March 31, 2026, for the complete eradication of LWE from India.
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Recent years have seen a more intensified and resolute push by the government to counter LWE.
- ●Left Wing Extremism (LWE) has been a persistent internal security challenge for India, showing continuity across various political regimes.
- ●The years 2006-2009 are highlighted as particularly difficult for security forces in dealing with the LWE menace.
- ●Union Home Minister Amit Shah has announced a target to eliminate LWE from the country by March 31, 2026.
- ●The government's efforts against LWE have reportedly gained significant momentum and a sharper focus in the past two years.
Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)
Nodal ministry for internal security, responsible for formulating and implementing policies to counter LWE, coordinating with state governments, and deploying central armed police forces.
National Policy and Action Plan to Combat LWE
To address the LWE problem in a holistic manner, focusing on security measures, development interventions, ensuring rights and entitlements of local communities, and public perception management.
Key: Multi-pronged approach combining security operations, infrastructure development, improving governance, and rehabilitation of surrendered LWE cadres.
Security Related Expenditure (SRE) Scheme
To reimburse security-related expenditure incurred by LWE-affected states.
Key: Covers expenditure on ex-gratia payments, capacity building, training, and operational needs of security forces.
Special Infrastructure Scheme (SIS)
To strengthen the infrastructure of security forces in LWE-affected states.
Key: Funds for construction of fortified police stations, training centers, and other critical infrastructure.
Internal Security
LWE is one of the gravest internal security challenges, directly impacting law and order and national stability.
Governance and Development
Poor governance, lack of development, and socio-economic disparities are often cited as root causes for the rise and persistence of LWE.
Tribal Rights and Forest Laws
Many LWE-affected areas are tribal-dominated, and issues related to forest rights, land alienation, and displacement are often exploited by extremists.
Centre-State Relations
Combating LWE requires close coordination and cooperation between the Union Government and affected state governments, as law and order is a state subject.
Exam Relevance
GS Paper-III: Internal Security; GS Paper-II: Governance, Government Policies and Interventions.
General Awareness: Indian Polity, Current Affairs.
General Awareness: Current Affairs, Government Schemes.
General Awareness: Indian Polity, Current Affairs.
General Knowledge: Internal Security, Defence Policy.
Previously Asked (PYQs)
Consider the following statements: 1. The Constitution of India classifies the ministers into four ranks viz. Cabinet Minister, Minister of State with Independent Charge, Minister of State and Deputy Minister. 2. The total number of ministers in the Union Government, including the Prime Minister, shall not exceed 15 percent of the total number of members in the Lok Sabha. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: 2 only
With reference to India, consider the following pairs: Action : The Act under which it is covered 1. Unauthorized wearing of police or military uniforms : The Official Secrets Act, 1923 2. Knowingly misleading or otherwise interfering with a police officer... : The Indian Evidence Act, 1872 3. Celebratory gunfire... : The Arms (Amendment) Act, 2019 How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?
Answer: Only one
Consider the following statements: 1. According to the Constitution of India, a person who is eligible to vote can be made a minister in a State for six months even if he/she is not a member of the Legislature of that State. 2. According to the Representation of People Act, 1951, a person convicted of a criminal offence and sentenced to imprisonment for five years is permanently disqualified from contesting an election even after his release from prison. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: Neither 1 nor 2
Expected Questions
- ★UPSC may ask: 'Critically analyze the multi-pronged strategy adopted by the Government of India to combat Left Wing Extremism. What are the challenges in achieving the target of LWE eradication by 2026?'
- ★SSC/Banking/Railway may ask: 'What is the deadline set by the Union Home Minister for the eradication of Left Wing Extremism?' or 'Which ministry is primarily responsible for internal security in India?'
- ★Defence exams may focus on the role of security forces and specific operations in LWE-affected areas.
Topic Frequency
High for UPSC (Internal Security), Medium for other exams (General Awareness).
Key Terms
A form of armed insurgency in India, primarily driven by Maoist ideology, aiming to overthrow the state through protracted armed struggle.
A term used to refer to the LWE movement, originating from the Naxalbari village uprising in West Bengal.
An elite anti-Maoist commando force of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana Police, known for its specialized training and effectiveness.
Must Remember
- •The deadline for LWE eradication: March 31, 2026.
- •The nodal ministry: Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
- •The multi-pronged strategy: Security, Development, Rights & Entitlements, Perception Management.
- •The period 2006-2009 was particularly challenging for LWE management.
Exam Tips
- •For UPSC, focus on the causes, consequences, government strategies (security and development), challenges, and the role of various stakeholders.
- •For other exams, remember key facts like deadlines, ministries, and major initiatives.
- •Understand the geographical spread of LWE and the socio-economic factors contributing to it.