Paper: GS – III, Subject: Internal Security, Topic: Left-wing Extremism, Issue: Governance Reforms Post-Maoist India.
Context:
Maoist insurgency, though declining today, historically grew in 5th Schedule tribal regions due to administrative neglect, weak representation, and persistent socio-economic exclusion that eroded tribal rights and trust.
Key Takeaways:
Maoist / Naxalite movement:
- An armed left-wing insurgency that began with the Naxalbari uprising (1967), drawing support mainly from tribal and forest regions affected by land alienation, poverty, and weak governance.
- Key legal instruments:
- Fifth Schedule (Article 244): Special powers to the Governor and Tribal Advisory Councils.
- Panchayats Extension to Scheduled Areas Act, 1996: Empowers Gram Sabhas in Scheduled Areas.
- Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006: Recognises individual and community forest rights of tribals.
| 5th Schedule of Indian Constitution Criteria: The Dhebar Commission (1960-61), laid down the following criteria for declaring any area as a ‘Scheduled Area’ under the Fifth Schedule: Preponderance of tribal population, which should not be less than 50 percent. Compactness and reasonable size of the area. Underdeveloped nature of the area. Marked disparity in the economic standard of the people as compared to the neighboring Areas. 5th Schedule of Indian Constitution States The Fifth Schedule provides for the administration of tribal Areas in ten states in India, including Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan, and Telangana. |
Key Challenges Identified:
- Administrative neglect: lack of presence in remote tribal belts.
- Weak implementation of PESA & Fifth Schedule provisions.
- Poor delivery of services (health, education, welfare).
- Corruption at the revenue, forest, and policing levels.
- Low tribal representation in local and state institutions.
- Legal loopholes & judicial delays regarding land and forest rights.
- Development without consultation, leading to displacement and distrust.
Way Forward:
- Rebuild Governance Capacity: Deploy trained tribal officers, ensure continuity of civil servants, and improve coordination.
- Strengthen PESA & Fifth Schedule Implementation
- Deliver Services Effectively: Improve health, education, and welfare delivery via local institutions.
- Social audits to reduce corruption.
- Increase Representation: Ensure proportional representation of tribals in PRIs & state administration.
- Build Trust with Communities:
- Dialogue-driven approach – replace militarised surveillance.
- Recognise cultural autonomy and traditional governance systems.
- Inclusive Development
- Implement FRA (Forest Rights Act) and land reforms transparently.
- Tailored development plans addressing tribal livelihood needs.
Maoism thrived primarily due to governance failure rather than ideology alone. Sustainable peace in post-Maoist India requires strengthening Fifth Schedule provisions, empowering tribal communities, and rebuilding trust through effective, inclusive governance.
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