Answer:

Introduction:

The drive for industrialization and development in backward areas, while necessary for economic growth, has often resulted in displacement and marginalization of local tribal populations and farmers. This has led to discontent, giving rise to movements like the Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) seen in areas like Malkangiri and Naxalbari.

Body:

Corrective Strategies Needed:

• Inclusive Development:
  • Development projects should be designed with a people-centric approach, considering the rights and needs of local communities.
  • Prior consent, fair compensation, and provision for suitable livelihood options should be integral parts of such projects.
  • Successful models like the “Samriddhi Corridor” project in Maharashtra which ensures local farmers’ participation and fair compensation can be followed.
  • The “Sandesh Model” in Bihar, which includes villagers in decision making for industrial projects, has been effective.
• Skill Development and Education:
  • These are essential for integrating displaced populations into the mainstream economy.
  • Successful initiatives like the Skill India mission and educational campaigns, as seen in the “Chhattisgarh government’s education city project” in Dantewada, need to be effectively implemented in these areas.
  • Telangana’s “Gurukul” system, providing quality residential schooling to tribal students, is a successful example.
• Infrastructure Development:
  • Lack of infrastructure in these regions often isolates these communities.
  • Investment in road connectivity, healthcare facilities, schools, etc., can bring them closer to the mainstream.
  • Successful initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) have shown positive results in these regions.
• Participatory Governance:
  • The involvement of local communities in decision-making processes related to development projects can reduce resistance and foster a sense of ownership.
  • The PESA (Panchayats Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act implementation can be strengthened for this purpose.
• Security Measures:
  • While development is the long-term solution, in the short-term, the security forces need to be adequately equipped to maintain law and order, as seen in the success of the “Greyhounds” model in Andhra Pradesh in dealing with LWE.

Conclusion:

Winning back the LWE-affected citizens into the mainstream requires not just economic growth, but growth that is inclusive, participatory, and sensitive to the rights and needs of the most marginalized. The focus should be on creating an environment where every citizen, irrespective of their social or economic status, can benefit from the nation’s growth story.

DOWNLOAD PDF