UPSC DAW Mains Answer Writing 2025 4th october
Question
The Government of India recently stated that Left Wing Extremism (LWE) will be eliminated by 2026. What do you understand by LWE and how are the people affected by it? What measures have been taken by the government to eliminate LWE? (150W, 10M)
Model Answer
Approach:
Introduction
Define Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) and mention briefly their origin.
Body
Discuss the impact of LWE on people, explain the government measures to eliminate LWE and briefly mention the success and progress made.
Conclusion
Summarise by emphasising the effectiveness of India’s SAMADHAN doctrine, and the need for continued governance and inclusive development.
Introduction
Left-Wing Extremism (LWE), also known as Naxalism, is an armed insurgency led by Maoist groups aiming to overthrow the government through violence. It originated from the Naxalbari movement in 1967 (West Bengal) and has spread across various parts of India, particularly within the Red Corridor.
Body
Impact of Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) on People:
Loss of Lives and Perpetual Fear: Civilians often fall victim to brutal vigilante justice, being accused of aiding security forces or refusing extremist demands.
For example: In Chhattisgarh’s Sukma district, Maoists recently killed two villagers suspected of being police informers.
Disruption of Public Services and Isolation: LWE violence blocks essential services like healthcare, education, and transport, leaving people cut off from development and governance.
For example: Katezari village in Gadchiroli finally received its first state-run bus after 77 years of insurgency.
Forced Displacement and Loss of Livelihoods: Extremist activities or counterinsurgency operations often displace villagers, forcing them into temporary shelters, disrupting livelihoods.
For example: Dantewada bombing 2023, attacks in Bijapur
Breakdown of Local Governance and Coercive Control: Extremist groups impose parallel governance, levy taxes, and resort to coercion, undermining local democratic institutions.
Government Measures to Eliminate LWE:
National Policy and Action Plan (2015): Modernized security forces, strengthened intelligence, and enhanced operational capabilities of central and state police.
Zero-tolerance Policy: Through schemes like the Security-related Expenditure (SRE), the government reimburses costs incurred by states for security operations, training, and other expenses.
Infrastructure Development and Connectivity: 3 telecom projects are being implemented (including 4G connectivity). The construction of Fortified Police Stations (FPSs) has increased significantly, from 66 in 2014 to 612 in 2024.
Social and Economic Empowerment: New bank branches, ATMs, 48 ITIs, 61 Skill Development Centers, and 178 Eklavya Model Residential Schools. The Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (2024) benefits 1.5 crore people in 15,000 villages.
Civic Engagement and Awareness Programs: Programs like Civic Action Program (CAP), media campaigns, and Tribal Youth Exchange Programs build trust and counter Maoist propaganda.
SAMADHAN doctrine: A one-stop solution for the LWE problem. It encompasses the entire strategy of government from short-term policy to long-term policy formulated at different levels. SAMADHAN stand for: Smart leadership, Aggressive strategy, Motivation and training, Actionable intelligence, Dashboard-based KRAs, Harnessing technology, Theatre-specific action plans, No access to financing.
Conclusion
India’s multi-pronged strategy combining security, development and rights-based empowerment has drastically weakened LWE. With sustained political will and community participation, the goal of a LWE-free India is now within reach. (Or) Through integrated security, development, and community engagement strategies, the Government of India aims to eliminate Left Wing Extremism by 2026, restoring peace, governance, and development to affected regions.