"Naxalism is not just a law and order problem but is a result of distorted developmental planning in the tribal areas."Examine.

Model Answer:
Over exploitation of peasant/tribal/backward section and lack of education, political and judicial hearing to backward class of the society makes them adopt the method of left wing extremism. Thus, breaking the law and order in the society. But, the actual problem does not exist only in law and order. The economy of the tribal regions of India is mainly consisting of two parts viz. subsistence agriculture and minor forest produce. The method of cultivation is still old and even people are unaware of the use of plough and seed drill etc. The Government of India and state governments stress as well as claim upon the implementation of various development projects/policies, which include Backward Regions Grants Fund, Panchayat (Extension to Schedule Areas) Act of 1996, MGNREGA, Schedule Tribes and other traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, Bill on Land acquisition and development etc. But, still:

• Despite claims of success of welfare programmes, the tribal agriculture methods remain centuries old.
• In some parts of naxal affected areas such as Bastar region, there are almost no irrigation projects.
• Any programme taking the guarantee of a livelihood of tribals and bringing basic changes in their life could never ever reach there.

Thus, we can say that under-development is obviously linked to left wing extremism in India but more important and dangerous facet of the development that has boosted the Maoists in almost all regions is “distorted development”. It has been now realized that Naxalism is not just a law and order problem but is a result of distorted developmental planning in the tribal areas.

Topics: GS-III: Linkages Between Development and Spread of Extremism