Q.Winning of Hearts and Minds’ in terrorism-affected areas is an essential step in restoring the trust of the population. Discuss the measures adopted by the Government in this respect as part of the conflict resolution in Jammu and Kashmir.
How to approach: Address all parts of the prompt systematically—covering positive dimensions, structural constraints, and a constructive Way Forward.
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In conflict-prone regions like Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), military measures alone cannot secure lasting peace. Restoring public trust and winning the "Hearts and Minds" of the local population is critical to counter alienation, neutralize extremist propaganda, and dismantle local support networks for terrorism.
graph TD
A["Government Measures in Jammu and Kashmir"] --> B["Security and Counter-Terrorism Measures"]
A --> C["Economic Development Initiatives"]
A --> D["Infrastructure Development"]
A --> E["Social and Educational Initiatives"]
A --> F["Tourism and Cultural Promotion"]
A --> G["Political and Administrative Reforms"]Body
A. Why Winning Hearts and Minds is Essential
- Reducing Alienation: Bridges the trust deficit between the local population and the state, integrating marginalized communities into the national mainstream.
- Dismantling Terror Support: Deprives insurgent groups of local logistical support, shelter, and fresh recruitment.
- Ensuring Sustainable Peace: Addresses the root socioeconomic grievances—such as unemployment and lack of infrastructure—that fuel unrest.
B. Measures Adopted by the Government in Jammu and Kashmir
- Economic Development Initiatives:
- Prime Minister’s Development Package (PMDP), 2015: Allocated ₹80,000 crores to boost infrastructure, healthcare, and education.
- Back to Village (B2V) Program: Initiated in 2019 to facilitate direct dialogue between government officials and rural citizens to address local grievances.
- Political and Administrative Reforms:
- Abrogation of Article 370 (2019): Aimed at fully integrating J&K with the rest of India, ensuring the application of all central laws and welfare schemes.
- Delimitation Commission (2020): Redrew assembly constituencies to ensure fair and democratic political representation.
- Infrastructure Development:
- Chenani-Nashri Tunnel (2017) & Zojila Tunnel Project: Enhancing all-weather connectivity, boosting trade, tourism, and regional integration.
- Social and Educational Initiatives:
- Mission Youth (2021): Focuses on skill development, livelihood generation, and entrepreneurship to empower J&K's youth.
- Special Scholarships: Providing educational opportunities for J&K students in premier institutions across India.
- Security and Counter-Terrorism Measures:
- Surrender and Rehabilitation Policy (2021): Encourages local militants to shun violence and reintegrate into society through financial and vocational support.
- Operation Sadbhavana: The Indian Army’s community outreach program, organizing medical camps, running schools, and sponsoring educational tours.
- Tourism and Cultural Promotion:
- Tourism Revival Package (2021): A ₹283 crore package to promote J&K as a safe, world-class tourist destination.
- Home-Stay Scheme: Encourages local participation in the tourism economy, directly benefiting rural households.
Conclusion
The government's multi-pronged strategy in J&K successfully combines robust counter-terror operations with proactive developmental, political, and social outreach. Fostering this inclusive growth is the only viable path to achieving permanent peace and prosperity in the region.
Question Specifications, Marking Rubric & Syllabus Mapping
| Examination & Year | UPSC Civil Services Mains Examination 2023 (Question 1) |
|---|---|
| Paper & Syllabus Topic | General Studies Paper III — Economy, Environment, S&T & Security → Internal Security, Cyber & Border Management |
| Marks, Word Limit & Ideal Time | 10 Marks • 150 Words • Ideal Writing Time: 7–8 Minutes |
| Directive Word & Core Demand | Discuss: Conduct a comprehensive, 360-degree exploration of the topic covering multiple perspectives. |
| Recommended Structure Split | Intro: ~20–25 Words • Body: ~100 Words (3–4 dimensions) • Conclusion: ~20–25 Words |
| AI Practice & Evaluation Tools | Upload Handwritten Answer for 3-Min Vision AI Evaluation | Generate Custom Answer & Mind Map |
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Frequently Asked Questions — UPSC Mains 2023 GS3 (Internal Security)
How should I structure the answer for this UPSC Mains 2023 GS Paper III question on Internal Security?
This 2023 GS Paper III question carries 10 marks with a 150-word limit and uses the "Discuss" directive. Address all parts of the prompt systematically—covering positive dimensions, structural constraints, and a constructive Way Forward. Follow the ideal word split (Intro: ~20–25 Words • Body: ~100 Words (3–4 dimensions) • Conclusion: ~20–25 Words) and aim to finish within 7–8 Minutes.
Which UPSC Mains syllabus topic does this 2023 question belong to?
This question is part of General Studies Paper III — Economy, Environment, S&T & Security under the syllabus module "Internal Security, Cyber & Border Management". You can explore all repeated questions from Internal Security in Acme AI's 3D PYQ Realm or filter all Internal Security PYQs on the Mains PYQ Directory.
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