| GS Paper 2: Government Policies and Interventions for development in various sectors and regions |
Why in the News?
The Centre has doubled the budget allocation for the Road Connectivity Project for Left Wing Extremism Affected Areas (RCPLWEA) for the financial year 2024-25. This follows Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s declaration that Left Wing Extremism (LWE) will be “completely eradicated” by March 2026.
What’s in Today’s Article?
- Overview of RCPLWEA (Objective, Funding, etc.)
- About Naxalism
- The Role of Infrastructure in Counter-Insurgency
- Government Actions to Counter Naxalism
- News Summary
Road Connectivity Project for Left Wing Extremism Affected Areas (RCPLWEA):
The Government approved the scheme in 2016 to further enhance road connectivity in Left Wing Extremist (LWE) affected states.
RCPLWEA, launched by the Union Government, aims to enhance infrastructure in areas impacted by LWE, fostering development and peace by improving road connectivity.
The Road Connectivity Project for Left Wing Extremism Affected Areas (RCPLWEA) operates as a separate vertical under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY).
A total of 12,162 km of roads and 705 bridges have been sanctioned under this initiative. The Ministry of Rural Development serves as the nodal ministry for the project.
The roads selected for the scheme were identified by the Ministry of Home Affairs in collaboration with state governments and security agencies.
The project aims to provide all-weather road connectivity with culverts and cross-drainage systems in 44 of the most LWE-affected districts, as well as adjoining districts in nine states: Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh.
Recently, the Ministry of Rural Development announced a revised “indicative allocation” of ₹1,000 crore for 2024-25, doubling the previous allocation.
The scheme follows a 60:40 cost-sharing arrangement between the Centre and the states, similar to PMGSY.
About Naxalism:
- Naxalism originated with the Naxalbari uprising in 1967, a peasant revolt in West Bengal led by communist leaders Charu Majumdar, Kanu Sanyal, and Jangal Santhal.
- Naxalism, or Left Wing Extremism, advocates armed rebellion against the state, driven by Maoist ideologies, and rejects democratic processes.
- The movement’s goal is the redistribution of land to oppressed peasants, especially tribals and Dalits, who have been denied land rights for generations.
The Role of Infrastructure in Counter-Insurgency
- Access to Basic Services: The RCPLWEA plays a vital role in tackling the root causes of extremism by providing remote areas with access to essential services and economic opportunities, thereby diminishing the allure of extremist ideologies.
- Enhancing Government Outreach: Improved road connectivity strengthens government presence, increases access to education and healthcare, and promotes economic activities like agriculture and trade in affected regions.
- Quick Mobilization of Security Forces: These roads also act as vital lifelines for security forces in hostile areas, enabling faster mobilization and improved coordination in counter-insurgency operations.
Government Actions to Counter Naxalism:
Security Related Expenditure (SRE) Scheme:
Under this scheme, the Central Government reimburses expenses related to security in districts affected by Left Wing Extremism (LWE). The reimbursement covers costs associated with the training and operational needs of security forces, ex-gratia payments to the families of civilians or security personnel killed or injured in LWE violence, rehabilitation of surrendered LWE cadres, community policing initiatives, village defense committees, and publicity efforts.
Special Central Assistance (SCA) for Most LWE Affected Districts:
The primary aim of this scheme is to address urgent needs by filling critical gaps in public infrastructure and services in the most Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected districts.
Special Infrastructure Scheme (SIS):
This scheme operates as part of the umbrella program ‘Modernization of Police Forces,’ providing funds to states to strengthen security-related infrastructure.
Fortified Police Stations Scheme:
A total of 606 fortified police stations have been constructed in LWE-affected areas to enhance security.
Assistance to Central Agencies for LWE Management Scheme:
This scheme provides support to Central Agencies (such as CAPFs and the IAF) by funding infrastructure improvements and covering helicopter hiring charges.
Civic Action Programme (CAP):
Implemented to foster stronger relationships between security forces and local communities through direct interactions, this scheme helps present the human side of security forces.
Media Plan:
The Maoists have been misleading and manipulating the local tribal population with false promises and coercion, targeting security forces and democracy. To counter this, the government has launched initiatives such as Tribal Youth Exchange programs, radio jingles, documentaries, and pamphlets.
Road Requirement Plan-I (RRP-I):
Led by the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, this scheme aims to enhance road connectivity in 34 LWE-affected districts across 8 states, including Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, and Uttar Pradesh. Out of the planned 5,362 km of roads, 5,165 km have been completed.
Telecom Connectivity:
Three telecom projects, including Mobile Connectivity Project Phase-I & Phase-II and initiatives to provide 4G services in uncovered villages and aspirational districts, are underway to improve connectivity in LWE-affected areas.
Aspirational Districts:
The Ministry of Home Affairs oversees the monitoring of the Aspirational Districts Program in 35 LWE-affected districts.
Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN):
This campaign aims to provide Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) with access to individual entitlements and essential facilities, raising awareness about their rights.
Operation Samadhan-Prahar:
Launched in 2017, SAMADHAN stands for Smart Leadership, Aggressive Strategy, Motivation and Training, Actionable Intelligence, Dashboard-based Key Result Areas (KRAs), Harnessing Technology, Action Plan for Each Theatre, and No Access to Financing. This strategy aims to eliminate the Maoist movement in India.
News Summary:
The Centre’s revised funding for RCPLWEA has been increased to ₹1,000 crore for 2024-25, in line with the Home Minister’s aim to eliminate LWE by March 2026. With the states expected to contribute an additional ₹500 crore, the total project funding will rise to ₹1,500 crore for the year. Since its inception, the project has approved 1,347 road projects covering over 12,227 km, with 9,259 km of roads completed so far. This increased funding will further support socio-economic development and security in LWE-affected areas.
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