What is Naxalism?
Historical Background
Key Points
8 points- 1.
Root causes: Land alienation, poverty, lack of development, social injustice, tribal exploitation
- 2.
Ideology: Maoism, Marxism-Leninism
- 3.
Areas of influence: Red Corridor (Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra)
- 4.
Tactics: Guerrilla warfare, IED blasts, attacks on security forces
- 5.
Government response: Security measures (Operation Green Hunt), development initiatives (Roshan Bharat Yojana)
- 6.
Challenges: Difficult terrain, lack of intelligence, nexus with local population
- 7.
Impact: Loss of life, hindrance to development, displacement of people
- 8.
Key organizations: CPI (Maoist), People's Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA)
Visual Insights
Evolution of Naxalism in India
Timeline showing the key events and developments in the Naxalite movement in India.
The Naxalite movement originated in 1967, driven by socio-economic inequalities and land alienation among tribal communities.
- 1967Naxalbari Uprising
- 1970sMovement gains momentum
- 1980s-90sFragmentation of Naxal groups
- 1996PESA Act
- 2004Formation of CPI (Maoist)
- 2006Forest Rights Act
- 2013Darbha Valley attack
- 2023Increased funding for development projects
- 2026Receding influence of Naxalism in Bastar
Understanding Naxalism
Mind map showing the key aspects and related concepts of Naxalism.
Naxalism
- ●Causes
- ●Government Response
- ●Affected Areas
- ●Key Legislations
Recent Developments
5 developmentsGovernment's focus on development and security approach to counter Naxalism
Increased security operations in Naxal-affected areas
Surrender and rehabilitation policies for Naxalites
Efforts to improve infrastructure and connectivity in affected regions
Use of technology for surveillance and intelligence gathering
This Concept in News
2 topicsBastar's Future: Naxalism's Decline and a Path to Peace
18 Feb 2026The news about Naxalism's decline in Bastar demonstrates the complex interplay between security measures and development initiatives in addressing this issue. It highlights that a purely security-focused approach is often insufficient and that addressing the underlying socio-economic grievances of the affected communities is crucial for long-term success. The news challenges the notion that Naxalism can be eradicated solely through force and suggests that a more nuanced and holistic approach is needed. This news reveals that sustained efforts to improve infrastructure, education, and healthcare in Naxal-affected areas can help to win the hearts and minds of the local population and reduce their support for the Naxalites. The implications of this news are that the government should continue to invest in development projects in Naxal-affected areas and work closely with local communities to address their needs. Understanding Naxalism is crucial for properly analyzing and answering questions about this news because it provides the necessary context to understand the challenges and opportunities involved in addressing this complex issue. It allows one to critically evaluate the effectiveness of different strategies and to propose solutions that are both effective and sustainable.
Odisha Revises Maoist Surrender Policy Again, Aiming for LWE Eradication
12 Feb 2026The Odisha news highlights the government's approach to managing Naxalism through surrender and rehabilitation policies. (1) This news demonstrates the 'carrot and stick' approach, where the government uses both security measures and incentives to address the issue. (2) The revised policy, with relaxed eligibility criteria and increased rewards, applies the concept of incentivizing surrender to weaken the Naxalite ranks. (3) The news reveals the ongoing challenge of LWE and the government's commitment to eradicating it by a specific deadline. (4) The implications of this news are that it could lead to more surrenders and a weakening of the Naxalite movement in Odisha, but its success depends on effective implementation and addressing the root causes of the problem. (5) Understanding Naxalism is crucial for analyzing this news because it provides the context for the government's actions and the underlying issues driving the conflict. Without this understanding, the news would simply be about a government policy change, rather than a strategic effort to combat a complex socio-political problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
61. What is Naxalism and what are its root causes as understood for the UPSC exam?
Naxalism is a violent extremist ideology that originated from the 1967 Naxalbari uprising, aiming to overthrow the government and establish a communist society through armed struggle. Its root causes include land alienation, poverty, lack of development, social injustice, and tribal exploitation.
Exam Tip
Remember the key root causes: Land, Poverty, Lack of Development, Social Injustice, Tribal Exploitation. Use the acronym 'LPLST' to help remember.
2. What are the key ideological influences on Naxalism?
Naxalism is primarily influenced by Maoism and Marxism-Leninism. These ideologies advocate for armed revolution to overthrow existing power structures and establish a communist state.
Exam Tip
Focus on Maoism and Marxism-Leninism as the core ideologies. Understanding these ideologies will help in analyzing the Naxal movement's objectives and strategies.
3. How does the government respond to Naxalism, and what are the key strategies employed?
The government responds to Naxalism through a combination of security measures and development initiatives. Key strategies include security operations like Operation Green Hunt and development programs like Roshan Bharat Yojana, aiming to address the root causes of Naxalism.
Exam Tip
Remember the dual approach: Security and Development. Operation Green Hunt (security) and Roshan Bharat Yojana (development) are examples.
4. What is the 'Red Corridor' and why is it significant in the context of Naxalism?
The 'Red Corridor' refers to the area in India significantly affected by Naxalite activities. It includes states like Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra. Its significance lies in being the epicenter of Naxal influence and operations.
Exam Tip
Memorize the states within the Red Corridor. Knowing the geographical spread of Naxalism is crucial for understanding its impact.
5. What are the major challenges in addressing Naxalism effectively?
Major challenges include the complex interplay of socio-economic factors, the difficulty in distinguishing between Naxalites and innocent civilians, the lack of effective governance in remote areas, and the challenges in implementing development projects in Naxal-affected regions.
Exam Tip
Consider the multi-faceted nature of the problem: socio-economic, governance, and security aspects. A holistic approach is needed.
6. How has the government's approach to Naxalism evolved in recent years?
The government's approach has evolved to focus on a dual strategy of development and security. This involves increased security operations in Naxal-affected areas alongside development initiatives to address the root causes of Naxalism and provide opportunities for Naxalites to surrender and rehabilitate.
Exam Tip
Highlight the shift towards a balanced approach combining security and development. Surrender and rehabilitation policies are also important.