Mains Daily Question
Feb. 12, 2020
Q. Discuss the root causes of the Naxalite movement in India. Also comment on the latest efforts undertaken by the government to address this issue.
Approach:
- Introduce with naxalism as threat to internal security – highlight recent attacks
- Elaborate root causes of Naxalite movement
- Describe recent government initiatives
- Conclude with way forward as collective approach needed to solve naxalism
Naxalism was an outcome of exploitative relation of landlords and peasants, but today it became one of the biggest security problems for India. The term ‘Naxal’ derives its name from the village Naxalbari of district Darjeeling in West Bengal, where the movement originated in 1967 under the leadership of Charu Majumdar and Kanu Sanyal. Until recently, Naxal affected area (Red corridor) spread to 106 districts across 11 states in India.
Root causes of Naxalite movement:
|
Jal-Jangal-Jameen |
Development deficit |
Social exclusion |
Governance deficit |
|
· Evasion of land ceiling laws · Encroachment and occupation of Government and community lands · Disruption of the age old tribal-forest relationship |
· Unemployment · Poverty · Infrastructure deficit · Lack of education · Poor health facilities |
· Violation of human rights · Abuse of dignity of life · Disconnect with mainstream society · Discontent against government |
· Incompetent, ill-trained and poorly motivated public personnel · Mismanagement and corruption · Poor implementation of laws and schemes |
Movement had started as a rightful struggle for redistribution of land but gradually transformed into anti-democratic violence to destabilize the state through communist guerrilla warfare, including urban naxalism now. Some important government initiatives:
Security Related
|
SAMADHAN It is a strategy of MHA to frame short term and long-term policies to tackle LWE. It includes: · S- Smart Leadership · Aggressive Strategy · M- Motivation and Training · Actionable Intelligence · D- Dashboard Based KPIs KRAs · H- Harnessing Technology · Action plan for each Theatre · N- No access to Financing |
- National Policy and Action Plan 2015 is a multi-pronged strategy in the areas of security, development, ensuring rights & entitlement of local communities etc.
- Scheme for Modernization of Police Forces + Fortification of police stations in affected districts.
- Assistance to Central Agencies for LWE management Scheme like CAPFs, Commando Battalions for Resolute Action (CoBRA), Indian Air Force
- Civic Action Programme (CAP) and Media Plan Scheme: to counter the Maoist propaganda of misguiding and luring the innocent tribals/local population by their so called poor-friendly revolution.
- The National Technical Research Organization (NTRO) is assisting the Security Forces in anti-Naxal operations by providing Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs).
- Surrender-cum-Rehabilitation policy for Naxalites in affected areas
Developments
- Focusing on infrastructure creation via. Additional Central Assistance scheme & Road Requirement Plan scheme.
- Universal Service Obligation Fund supported Scheme of Mobile Services to increase mobile connectivity
- Various schemes like Roshni, ‘Skill Development, Aspirational to improve governance as well as provide skills
- Facilities of residential schools to children –(e.g. Pota Cabins, Choolo Aasman, Nanhe Parinde, Tamannah) as well as focus on sports infrastructure
- To improve public perception as well as state’s commitment towards teh welfare, states have been asked to effectively implement provisions of PESA, 1996 on priority.
Latest reports of Ministry of Home affairs shows reduction in Naxal affected red corridor. However, to completely eradicate the naxal movement, tt needs collective multi-pronged approach from government, civil society as well as common masses.
