Naxalism’s Decline and the Road to “Naxal-Mukt Bharat”, Pg 11.

Key Highlights:

• Civilian deaths due to Left Wing Extremism fell from 480 (2004–2013) to 152 (2014–2024).
• Affected districts reduced from 126 (2014) to 81 (2024); only 30 remain “severely affected.”
• The government’s “Naxal-Mukt Bharat” strategy integrates security operations with developmental outreach and governance presence.
• Security operations have been complemented by the Aspirational District Programme, road and telecom connectivity, and financial inclusion measures.
• Data shows fewer attacks on economic infrastructure (down from 360 in 2015 to 125 in 2024), indicating waning rebel capabilities.
• Poverty alone does not explain LWE persistence; factors like governance deficits, local neglect, and political manipulation remain central.

the number of civilians killed by Naxalites (2010–2024).png

Detailed Insights:

• Reassessing the Poverty Narrative: Studies by the National Bureau of Economic Research and University of North Carolina find no strong correlation between poverty/unemployment and extremism. Rather, state accessibility and governance vacuum are stronger predictors.
• Governance and Trust Deficit: Naxalism thrives where the state is perceived as distant, exploitative, or absent. Ensuring accountability, transparency, and institutional presence are critical to reversing alienation.
• Comprehensive Strategy: The Centre has adopted a “Whole-of-Government” approach involving security, development, and administrative legitimacy. The Central Armed Police Forces now operate jointly with local administrations for lasting stability.
• Socio-political Symbolism: Naxalism often capitalized on identity-based grievances—land rights, caste inequality, and resource control. Government initiatives like Skill India, Eklavya Schools, and Livelihood Missions target these underlying vulnerabilities.
• Decline and Vigilance: Despite decline in violence, experts warn against complacency; sustainable peace requires institutional reform, grassroots governance, and continued development engagement.
• Moral Lesson: India’s civilizational ethos of non-violence and inclusion, drawn from the teachings of Buddha and Gandhi, must guide its final push toward ending Left Wing Extremism through dialogue and democratic integration.

Scientific/Technical Concepts Involved:

• Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI): Composite measure including health, education, and living standards—used to assess deprivation beyond income poverty.
• Aspirational Districts Programme: NITI Aayog initiative targeting governance and socio-economic outcomes in backward regions, many of which overlap with LWE zones.