To combat the left wing extremism (LWE) menace in a holistic manner, the Government of India had formulated a National Policy and Action Plan in 2015, which envisages a multi-pronged approach comprising security, development and ensuring rights & entitlements of local communities. Naxalism was once called by the government as the biggest internal security threat faced by the country.
Features of the National Policy
- The multi-pronged strategy primarily includes development and security aspects of affected districts.
- On the development front, apart from flagship schemes of the Central Government, several initiatives have been taken for the
. development of roads
. installation of mobile towers
. skill development
. improving the network of banks and post offices
. strengthening of health and education facilities.
- Security related expenditure scheme:
It is a subscheme of the umbrella scheme Modernization of Police Forces. The Center reimburses to the State governments of 11 LWE affected States the security related expenditure of 90 districts relating to:
. training and operational needs of security forces
. ex-gratia payment to the family of civilians/ security forces killed/ injured in LWE violence
. compensation to left wing extremist cadres who surrendered in accordance with the surrender and rehabilitation policy
. community policing
. security related infrastructure for village defence committees and publicity materials.
- Special central assistance for 30 most LWE affected districts
The main objective of the scheme is to fill the critical gaps in public infrastructure and services.
- Construction of fortified police stations in the LWE affected States.
- Assistance to Central agencies for LWE management
Under the scheme, assistance is provided to Central agencies (CAPFs/IAF etc) for strengthening of infrastructure and hiring charges for helicopters.
- Civic action program
It aims to bridge the gaps between security forces and local people through personal interaction and bring the human face of security forces before the local population. Funds are released to the CAPFs, deployed in LWE affected areas, for conducting various civic activities for the welfare of the local people.
- Media plan
The maoists have been misguiding and luring the innocent tribals/ local population in LWE affected areas by the so called poor friendly revolution through petty incentives or by following their coercive strategy. Under the scheme, activities like tribal youth exchange programmes organised by NYKS, radio jingles, documentaries and pamphlets are being conducted.
- Road connectivity project
The roads included under the scheme have been identified by the Ministry of Home Affairs in consultation with the State governments and the security agencies.
- Aspirational district
The Ministry of Home Affairs has been tasked with the monitoring of aspirational districts programme in 35 LWE affected districts.
