GS Paper 3Left Wing Extremism
Naxalism is a social, economic and developmental issue manifesting as a violent internal security threat. In this context discuss various factors that led to the rise of Naxalism in India. Briefly explain the Government of India's approach to counter the challenges posed by LWE. (15 Marks, 250 Words)
Based on 62 evaluated answers to this question on CollectorBabu: here is what aspirants most often missed, the mistakes that cost marks, and a model answer.
What most aspirants missed
- Origin of Naxalism in the 1967 Naxalbari uprising and the ideology of Charu Mazumdar, which the question's 'rise' demands.
- Forest Rights Act, 2006 and PESA, 1996 non-implementation as the core land and governance grievance.
- Land alienation from mining and dam displacement, with specific examples such as Polavaram or Jharkhand mining evictions.
- SAMADHAN doctrine (2017) explained, not just named, with its security-development-rights components.
- Emerging threats such as drones, IEDs, cross-border and inter-state gaps at the Chhattisgarh-Odisha-Jharkhand tri-junction.
- Critique of security-centric approaches and implementation limits, such as the controversy around Operation Green Hunt.
Common mistakes
- Spending words on basic manifestations or challenges when the question asks for causes and government approach.
- Naming SAMADHAN or schemes without explaining them, leaving the strategy section generic.
- Repeating points on poverty, water and schools under social and economic headings, diluting the analysis.
- Giving no state, district or scheme examples, which makes the answer hollow.
- Introducing irrelevant material such as North-East insurgency or unrelated policies, or inaccurate claims like AFSPA being applied in Naxal areas.
What the better answers did
- Opening directly with the Naxalbari origin and linking it to the present form of the threat.
- Separating ideological, socio-economic and governance factors under clear headings.
- Explaining the government approach in layers: security, development, rights and governance, and surrender policy.
- Using concrete examples such as Salwa Judum, Greyhounds (Andhra Pradesh), Road Requirement Plan-I and the Red Corridor shrinking across states.
Introduction
Open with the 1967 Naxalbari uprising and Charu Mazumdar, then link it to present-day land and forest grievances in the Red Corridor rather than restating the question.
Conclusion
End by stressing that security gains will stay fragile unless FRA, PESA and local governance deliver land rights and tribal welfare, linking this to the integrated SAMADHAN approach.
Model answer
Naxalism began in 1967 at Naxalbari in West Bengal, when CPI(ML) cadres led by Charu Mazumdar mobilised peasants against landlords. Today it is a violent internal security threat, but its roots lie in land, forest and governance failures in tribal, mineral-rich regions of the Red Corridor.
Factors behind the rise
- Land alienation and displacement: tribals lose forest and farm land to mining and dams. Polavaram and Sardar Sarovar displaced large populations, and the Forest Rights Act, 2006 remains poorly implemented.
- Governance vacuum: PESA, 1996 gives Gram Sabhas control over minor forest produce and resources, but states have not devolved powers, leaving space for Maoist parallel structures.
- Poverty and deprivation: Dandakaranya and parts of Jharkhand have high tribal poverty and weak access to health, education and drinking water.
- Exploitation and ideology: Maoist class-struggle rhetoric appeals to tribals facing exploitation by traders, moneylenders and contractors.
- Counter-violence: Salwa Judum (2005) displaced many thousands and pushed youth towards the extremists.
Government approach
- Security: SAMADHAN doctrine (2017) with CRPF and COBRA battalions, Greyhounds of Andhra Pradesh as a proven model, and the Security Related Expenditure (SRE) scheme.
- Development: Road Requirement Plan-I for connectivity, mobile towers in LWE areas, Eklavya schools, and the Aspirational Districts Programme covering LWE districts.
- Rights and governance: effective FRA and PESA implementation, Panchayat empowerment and tribal welfare.
- Surrender and rehabilitation policy, and ROSHNI for skilling youth.
Security action has shrunk the Red Corridor, but without land rights, local governance and tribal welfare, the gains will remain fragile. A balanced, sustained strategy is the only lasting answer.
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