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13 Mar 2026
GS Paper 3
Internal Security
Q. Analyze the causes of the spread of extremism in India and evaluate the strategies adopted by the government to counter it. (Answer in 200 words)
Approach:
- Provide a brief overview of Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) in India.
- Highlight the causes of the spread of extremism in India. Discuss the government’s strategies to address extremism.
- Conclude with a forward-looking perspective.
Introduction
Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) in India is rooted in the objective of achieving a state based on Marxist-Leninist ideology through violent revolution. These groups primarily garner support from marginalized and deprived populations, particularly tribal communities residing in underdeveloped, remote regions. Ironically, these vulnerable populations become both the instruments and the victims of extremist violence.
Body
Causes of the Spread of Extremism
- Developmental Disparities:
- Poor implementation of land reforms, the Forest Rights Act, and PESA.
- Inadequate enforcement of protective laws under the Fifth Schedule.
- Large-scale land acquisition and displacement without proper compensation or rehabilitation.
- Encroachment on tribal lands by elites and loss of access to common property resources.
- Lack of basic life securities, including food and education.
- Disruption of traditional occupations without alternative livelihood opportunities.
- Social Marginalization:
- Discrimination based on ethnicity, religion, or caste, including the persistence of untouchability.
- Exploitation of grievances due to poor implementation of special laws, such as the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, Protection of Civil Rights Act, and Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act.
- Political Instability and Governance Failures:
- Perceived failures of the political system leading to extremist ideologies.
- Weak governance, corruption, and political instability creating a vacuum for extremist groups to exploit.
- Ideological Indoctrination:
- Revolutionary propaganda promoting armed struggle against the state and promising a utopian Marxist-Leninist society.
- Front organizations engaging in recruitment, fund-raising, legal assistance, and mass mobilization to further the Maoist agenda.
Government Strategies to Counter Extremism
The government has adopted a holistic approach that integrates security, development, rights, governance, and perception management.
- Security Measures:
- Deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and India Reserve battalions.
- Modernization of state police forces and establishment of Counter Insurgency and Anti-Terrorism (CIAT) schools.
- Fortification of police stations in LWE-affected areas.
- Development Initiatives:
- Special Central Assistance (SCA): Funds critical infrastructure projects in LWE-affected districts.
- Road Connectivity Projects (RRP-I and RCPLWE): Improve infrastructure in remote regions.
- LWE Mobile Tower Project: Enhances mobile network connectivity.
- Aspirational District Programme: Focuses on development in 35 LWE-affected districts.
- Comprehensive Plans:
- SAMADHAN Doctrine: A multi-level strategy addressing security and development issues.
- National Policy and Action Plan (2015): Incorporates security measures, development efforts, and protection of community rights.
- Special Infrastructure Scheme (SIS): Supports development of security-related infrastructure.
- Community Engagement and Awareness:
- Civic Action Programme (CAP): Promotes welfare activities by security forces to build trust.
- Media Plan: Counters extremist propaganda through targeted communication.
Conclusion
In a vibrant democracy like India, ideologies rooted in violence and destruction are bound to fail, as the nation progresses toward inclusive growth and justice.
