UPSC Mains 2018 GS3 Q10 — Internal Security
Left Wing Extremism (LWE) is showing a downward trend, but still affects many parts of the country. Briefly explain the Government of India's approach to counter the challenges posed by LWE. (Answer in 150 words)
Question Decoded — examiner's intent
- Directive verbs
- Briefly explain
- Scope keywords
- Left Wing Extremism (LWE)downward trendaffects many parts of the countryGovernment of India's approachcounter the challenges
- Implicit sub-parts
- Briefly present data/evidence of the 'downward trend' (e.g., reduction in districts or fatalities) to validate the premise.
- Categorize the GoI strategy into Security, Development, and Rights-based approaches.
- Identify current/residual challenges (the 'still affects' part) such as use of technology or tactical shifts by insurgents.
- Common pitfalls
- Spending too many words on the history of Naxalism/Maoism instead of current GoI policy.
- Neglecting to mention the 'SAMADHAN' strategy, which is the cornerstone of the current approach.
- Failing to mention the 'Development' aspect (roads, mobile towers, schools) and focusing solely on security operations.
- Ignoring the role of state-central coordination and the significance of 'Aspirational Districts' in LWE areas.
- Dimensions required
- Security-TacticalDevelopmental-EconomicTechnologicalLegal-PolicyPsychological/Surrender-Rehabilitation
- Marks allocation hint
Allocate 20 words for the introduction confirming the trend with data. Spend 90-100 words on the multifaceted GoI approach (SAMADHAN, security-development nexus). Use the final 30 words to address the 'still affects' aspect by highlighting residual challenges like remote forest hideouts or sophisticated IEDs.
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