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. (UPSC 2018)

Left Wing Extremism has declined sharply, but it still survives in a few pockets where poverty, poor connectivity and weak state presence persist. The Government of India now follows a multi-pronged approach that combines security, development and welfare.

• Security first: Use of the SAMADHAN framework, intelligence-led operations, CAPF deployment, specialised units like CoBRA, fortified police stations and action against extremist financing.
• Development push: Roads, bridges, mobile towers, internet, schools, health facilities and skill centres to break the isolation of affected areas.
• Good governance: Better delivery of welfare schemes, faster grievance redressal, and stronger district administration in vulnerable regions.
• Winning trust: Surrender and rehabilitation policies, community outreach, protection of tribal rights and local recruitment into police and security forces.

Thus, the Centre’s approach is not only to neutralise armed groups, but also to remove the social and economic causes that sustain extremism.