Q.Left Wing Extremism (LWE) is showing a downward trend, but still affects many parts of the country. Briefly explain the Government of India’s approach to counter the challenges posed by LWE.

Body Analysis

Left Wing Extremism (LWE), commonly referred to as Naxalism, has historically been one of India's most severe internal security challenges, primarily affecting states like Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, and Maharashtra. While there has been a significant decline in LWE violence—with incidents dropping from 2,258 in 2009 to 509 in 2021 according to the Ministry of Home Affairs—the movement continues to pose a threat in several pockets.

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Government of India's Multi-Pronged Approach to Counter LWE

1. Security Operations

• Force Deployment: The government has deployed central paramilitary forces, including the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and specialized anti-Naxal units like CoBRA (Commando Battalion for Resolute Action). Over 65 CRPF battalions are currently stationed in highly affected zones.
• Intelligence Sharing: Coordination has been enhanced through the Multi-Agency Centre (MAC) and Subsidiary Multi-Agency Centres (SMACs), enabling real-time intelligence sharing between state and central forces.

2. Developmental Initiatives

• Aspirational Districts Programme: Launched by NITI Aayog, this initiative targets 35 of the most LWE-affected districts, focusing on health, education, agriculture, and infrastructure through enhanced budgetary support.
• Road Connectivity: Under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) and the Road Requirement Plan (RRP), over 11,000 km of roads have been constructed in remote areas, facilitating economic integration and security movement.

3. Governance and Administrative Reforms

• Strengthening Local Governance: Direct funding to over 1.5 lakh Panchayats under the Panchayati Raj system has empowered local bodies to implement welfare schemes effectively.
• Access to Justice: To resolve local grievances quickly, fast-track courts and legal aid services have been set up, including 25 new fast-track courts in Chhattisgarh in 2021.

4. Surrender and Rehabilitation Policy

• Rehabilitation Schemes: Financial aid, vocational training, and housing are provided to surrendered militants. Between 2014 and 2021, over 4,000 Naxal cadres surrendered.
• Monetary Incentives: Surrendering cadres receive immediate cash assistance ranging from ₹1.5 lakh to ₹5 lakh depending on their rank, alongside educational and livelihood support.

5. Civic Action Programs

• Community Trust Building: Security forces conduct medical camps and community outreach. In 2021, the CRPF organized over 1,200 medical camps in LWE areas.
• Skill Development: The Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) has been extended to LWE districts, training over 50,000 youth to prevent their recruitment into extremist folds.

6. Use of Technology

• UAVs and Drones: Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are heavily used for surveillance in dense forests, with over 150 sorties conducted in 2021.
• Tech-Driven Policing: GPS tracking, real-time data sharing, and the DARPAN portal have streamlined data collection and improved operational coordination.

7. Public-Private Partnerships (PPP)

• CSR Initiatives: Private companies are encouraged to invest in infrastructure and healthcare in LWE zones. For example, Tata Steel's CSR initiatives in Jharkhand and Odisha have significantly improved local education and health outcomes.

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