DAW 3rd November 2025, Mains Answer Writting 2026

DAW 3rd November 2025, Mains Answer Writting 2026

Question

Left Wing Extremism (LWE) is showing a downward trend. Briefly explain the Government of India’s approach to counter the challenges posed by LWE. (250 Words, 15 Marks). 

Model Answer

Approach: Introduction: 

  • LWE or Naxalism, emerging from the 1967 Naxalbari movement, is a major internal security threat aiming to overthrow the state through violence, mainly affecting central and eastern India despite its recent decline. 

Body: 

  • Factors: Inequality, tribal displacement, weak governance, poor infrastructure. 

  • Facts on Decline 

  • Approach: 

  • Security: Operation SAMADHAN, SRE Scheme, police modernisation, drones, coordination 

  • Development: IAP, Aspirational Districts, PMGSY 

  • Social: Rehabilitation policy, PESA, Forest Rights Act, Skill India 

 Conclusion: 

  • Inclusive growth + governance = key 

  • Target: Naxal-Mukt Bharat by 2026 

  • Vision: $5 trillion economy, Viksit Bharat@204 7 

Introduction: 

  • Left Wing Extremism (LWE), or Naxalism, remains a major internal security concern for India. Originating from the Naxalbari movement of 1967, it seeks to overthrow the democratic state through armed struggle. Concentrated in parts of central and eastern India, LWE has hindered governance and development, and although its spread has declined, it continues to pose significant security and socio-economic challenges. 

     Body: Factors Behind Persistence of LWE: (Use diagram to just mention these points) 

  • Socio-economic inequality: Poverty and neglect of tribal regions, as noted by the                   D. Bandyopadhyay Committee, enable Maoist mobilisation. 

  • Resource dispossession: Mining and development projects like Odisha’s Niyamgiri Hills have displaced tribals, fuelling resentment. 

  • Governance deficit: Weak state presence allows Maoists to run parallel administrations in remote areas of Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand. 

  • Security and infrastructure gaps: Poor communication and intelligence limit anti-LWE operations in forested zones. 

  • Policy ambiguity: Lack of clarity between treating LWE as a social or security issue reduces coordinated response. 

  • Cross-border linkages: Arrests of Maoist leaders with Nepal links highlight external support networks. 

 Sustained Efforts by Security Forces and Government Initiatives Have Led to a Significant Decrease in LWE Activities: Integrated Strategy:  

  • India’s multidimensional approach- combining security enforcement, inclusive development, and community engagement- has significantly weakened LWE. 

  • Goal: The Government aims to eliminate Naxalism by March 2026, recognising it as a major barrier to development in remote tribal areas. 

  • Decline in Spread: 

  • LWE-affected districts reduced from 126 (2010) → 90 (2018) → 70 (2021) → 38 (2024). 

  • Most affected districts (6): Bijapur, Kanker, Narayanpur, Sukma (Chhattisgarh); West Singhbhum (Jharkhand); Gadchiroli (Maharashtra). 

  • Operational Success 

  • LWE incidents reduced by 81%- from 1,936 (2010) to 374 (2024). 

  • Deaths (civilians + security forces) fell by 85%- from 1,005 (2010) to 150 (2024). 

  • Over 8,000 Naxalites surrendered in the past decade. 

  • Outcome: Fewer than 20 districts now report significant extremist activity — indicating strong progress toward a “Naxal-Mukt Bharat.” 

 Despite these significant strides, the issue continues to demand strategic and comprehensive efforts to completely eradicate the threat.:  Government of India’s Approach to Counter Left Wing Extremism (LWE): 

  • Security Measures: 

  • Security Related Expenditure (SRE) Scheme: Provides financial support to states for strengthening police, logistics, and intelligence in LWE-affected areas. 

  • Modernisation of Police Forces: Upgradation of weapons, training, and communication systems to enhance operational capability. 

  • Operation Green Hunt (2010): Large-scale coordinated security offensive in core Naxal zones. 

  • Operation SAMADHAN (MHA): A holistic strategy focusing on Smart leadership, Aggressive strategy, Motivation & training, Actionable intelligence, Dashboard monitoring, Harnessing technology, and denial of financing. 

  • Technology Integration: Use of drones, satellite surveillance, weapon trackers, and biometric-enabled smart guns for precision operations. 

  • Inter-State Coordination: Formation of Joint Task Forces for intelligence sharing and border-area operations. 

  • Developmental Initiatives: 

  • Integrated Action Plan (IAP): Accelerates infrastructure and livelihood projects in LWE districts. 

  • Aspirational Districts Programme: Focuses on transforming underdeveloped, LWE-prone districts through targeted multi-sectoral development. 

  • Infrastructure & Connectivity: Schemes like Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana improve last-mile connectivity, markets, and access to services. 

  • Social and Political Approaches: 

  • Rehabilitation and Surrender Policy: Encourages Naxal cadres to surrender, offering livelihood and reintegration support. 

  • Empowering Local Governance: Strengthening Panchayati Raj institutions to enhance participation and address local grievances. 

  • Inclusive and Empowerment Strategies: 

  • Rights and Livelihood Schemes: Forest Rights Act, PESA, MNREGA empower tribals and reduce socio-economic vulnerabilities. 

  • Education and Skilling: Eklavya Model Schools and Skill India Mission provide education and employment alternatives. 

  • Tribal and Rural Development Models: Initiatives like Kudumbashree (Kerala), Jharkhand Alternative Development Initiative, and AP Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty demonstrate sustainable development pathways against extremism. 

 Conclusion: 

  • India’s success in curbing Left Wing Extremism underscores that inclusive development and justice are the strongest antidotes to violence. As the nation marches toward becoming a $5 trillion economy and realizing the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047, sustaining peace through good governance, technology-driven development, and community trust remains essential. A “Naxal-Mukt Bharat” is thus not merely a security goal, but a moral commitment to progress through trust and inclusion.