What are the determinants of left-wing extremism in Eastern part of India? What strategy should Government of India, civil administration and security forces adopt to counter the threat in the affected areas? (UPSC 2020)

Left-wing extremism in eastern India grew not from ideology alone, but from deep social and state failure in forested, mineral-rich tribal regions. Weak governance, displacement and poor service delivery created space for Maoist groups to build influence.

• Geography and terrain: Dense forests of Dandakaranya, Abujhmad and border areas of Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha and Maharashtra give cover, mobility and safe corridors.
• Land alienation and displacement: Mining, industrial projects and weak rehabilitation have uprooted tribals and farmers without fair compensation or consent.
• Governance deficit: Poor reach of administration, police, courts, schools and health services has created a vacuum filled by parallel Maoist structures.
• Failure of rights-based laws: Weak implementation of the Forest Rights Act and PESA has deepened alienation from land and resources.
• Poverty and exclusion: Low human development, unemployment, malnutrition and lack of livelihoods make youth vulnerable to recruitment.

• Government of India: Follow a mix of security, development and trust-building under the SAMADHAN approach; cut Maoist finances; strengthen surrender and rehabilitation policies; ensure fair land acquisition and rehabilitation.
• Civil administration: Deliver roads, schools, health care, drinking water, internet, banking and livelihood support in mission mode; speed up FRA and PESA implementation; involve Gram Sabhas and local youth.
• Security forces: Use intelligence-led, precise action; hold territory through forward bases and area domination; improve jungle warfare skills; protect civilians; avoid excess force that can alienate people.

The long-term answer lies in denying extremists both grievance and space. Development must be visible, rights must be protected, and security must be firm but humane to restore the legitimacy of the state.