Daily Mains Question – GS 3 - 14th June 2025
- TPP
- Jun 14
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 16
Welcome to your daily Mains Model Answer — designed to bridge the gap between policy insight and analytical reasoning, just the way UPSC tests in GS Papers. Today’s answer delves into how the ‘National Policy and Action Plan to Address Left Wing Extremism (2015)’ has helped curb one of India’s most persistent internal security threats.
With LWE-related violence witnessing a dramatic decline — from nearly 2,000 incidents in 2010 to under 400 in 2024 — this topic holds strong relevance for GS Paper 3 (Internal Security). It also offers a template for analyzing integrated policy responses involving governance, development, and national security — a useful perspective for essay writing and public administration case studies.
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QUESTION
Discuss how the ‘National Policy and Action Plan to Address Left Wing Extremism’ (2015) has reduced LWE-related violence in India. How has it contributed to the reduction in incidents?
Answer: Left Wing Extremism (LWE), often referred to as Naxalism, has been a serious internal security threat in India for decades, especially in Central and Eastern India. Recognising the multi-faceted nature of the problem, the Government of India formulated a comprehensive ‘National Policy and Action Plan to Address LWE’ in 2015, focusing on a multi-pronged approach combining security, development, and rights-based governance.
As per official data, incidents of LWE-related violence reduced from a peak of 1,936 in 2010 to just 374 in 2024, a decline of 81%. Correspondingly, the number of deaths (civilians and security forces) fell by 85%—from 1,005 in 2010 to 150 in 2024.
1. Features of the 2015 National Policy and Action Plan
The policy was formulated with the following strategic pillars:
Zero tolerance for violence, ensuring proactive and sustained operations against Naxal groups.
Strengthening security apparatus through assistance to State governments with:
Deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs)
Training and modernisation of State police
Fortification of police stations in vulnerable areas
Real-time intelligence sharing
Massive infrastructure push to bring development to the region, including:
Construction of over 17,600 km of roads
Expansion of mobile and telecom connectivity
Electrification and access to clean drinking water
2. Successes on the Security Front
Massive security operations, such as the Karreguttalu Hill offensive (April–May 2025) in the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border region, led to major breakthroughs.
Deployment of UAVs, helicopters, and special CAPF battalions has improved operational capabilities.
Improved security presence has led to:
Over 8,000 Naxalites surrendering in the last 10 years
Enhanced surveillance and mobility in remote forested areas
3. Development and Community Engagement Initiatives
Implementation of flagship government schemes in tribal and remote areas, improving access to:
Education
Healthcare
Banking and postal services
Special focus on financial inclusion and skilling of local youth, aimed at reducing the recruitment pool for extremist groups
Community engagement programs to reintegrate surrendered cadres into mainstream society
4. Measurable Outcomes and Trends
Reduction in LWE-affected districts:
126 (before 2015) → 90 (April 2018) → 70 (July 2021) → 38 (April 2024)
Currently, fewer than 20 districts are classified as severely affected
As per official press releases and PM’s statement:
“Maoist violence had stalled the progress of many districts… the 2015 policy aimed to eradicate it by combining strict enforcement with inclusive development.”
Conclusion
India’s multi-dimensional and multi-sectoral approach since 2015, combining security operations, inclusive development, rights-based governance, and community participation, has significantly weakened the LWE movement. The sharp decline in violence, fatalities, and affected areas is a testament to the effectiveness of the policy.
With the government setting a target to completely eliminate LWE by March 31, 2026, continued emphasis on state-centre coordination, developmental outreach, and sustainable security presence will be crucial to ensure long-term peace and integration of the previously neglected tribal and remote regions into the national mainstream.
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Nice analysis