3 minConstitutional Provision
Constitutional Provision

Centre-State Relations (in addressing LWE)

What is Centre-State Relations (in addressing LWE)?

Centre-State Relations refer to the distribution of powers and responsibilities between the central government and state governments in India. This relationship is defined by the Constitution and various laws. Addressing Left Wing Extremism (LWE), also known as Maoism, requires strong cooperation between the Centre and the States. The Centre provides financial assistance, intelligence, and security forces, while the States are primarily responsible for maintaining law and order. Effective LWE management depends on coordinated strategies, information sharing, and joint operations. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) plays a crucial role in coordinating these efforts. The goal is to ensure internal security and promote development in LWE-affected areas. This collaboration aims to address the root causes of LWE, such as poverty and lack of opportunities.

Historical Background

The issue of Centre-State cooperation in tackling LWE has evolved over decades. Initially, LWE was viewed primarily as a law and order problem, handled mainly by the States. However, as LWE spread and became more organized, the Centre's role increased. In the 1960s and 1970s, Naxal movements emerged, prompting the central government to provide support to affected states. Over time, a more comprehensive approach developed, recognizing the need for development initiatives alongside security measures. The 2006 National Policy and Action Plan aimed to address LWE holistically. The Centre started providing financial assistance through schemes like the Special Infrastructure Scheme (SIS) and Security Related Expenditure (SRE) scheme. Regular meetings and coordination mechanisms were established between the Centre and States to share intelligence and plan joint operations. The focus shifted towards capacity building of state police forces and promoting socio-economic development in affected areas.

Key Points

12 points
  • 1.

    The Constitution of India assigns law and order primarily to the States under List II (State List) of the Seventh Schedule.

  • 2.

    The Centre can deploy central armed police forces (CAPFs) like the CRPF and BSF to assist States in maintaining law and order, based on requests from the State governments.

  • 3.

    The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) coordinates efforts to combat LWE at the national level. It provides guidance, funding, and resources to affected States.

  • 4.

    The Security Related Expenditure (SRE) scheme provides financial assistance to States for training, equipment, and infrastructure development related to security.

  • 5.

    The Special Infrastructure Scheme (SIS) supports infrastructure projects in LWE-affected areas, such as roads, bridges, and communication networks.

  • 6.

    The Centre and States share intelligence through the Multi-Agency Centre (MAC) and other platforms to improve coordination.

  • 7.

    The National Policy and Action Plan to address LWE emphasizes a multi-pronged approach, including security measures, development initiatives, and good governance.

  • 8.

    States have their own surrender and rehabilitation policies for Maoists, often with financial incentives and vocational training programs.

  • 9.

    Joint operations involving multiple States and central forces are conducted to target LWE strongholds and disrupt their activities.

  • 10.

    The Centre provides support for capacity building of State police forces through training programs and modernization initiatives.

  • 11.

    The Aspirational Districts Programme aims to improve socio-economic indicators in LWE-affected districts through targeted interventions.

  • 12.

    The Centre monitors the progress of LWE eradication efforts through regular reviews and assessments.

Recent Developments

10 developments
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The Union Home Ministry has set a deadline of March 31 for LWE eradication in certain regions.

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Several States have revised their surrender and rehabilitation policies to encourage Maoists to give up arms (2024).

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Increased focus on development initiatives in LWE-affected areas to address the root causes of the problem (2023).

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Enhanced coordination between central and state security forces through joint operations and intelligence sharing.

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Use of technology, such as drones and surveillance equipment, to improve security in LWE-affected areas.

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The government is promoting skill development and employment opportunities for youth in LWE-affected regions.

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Regular review meetings are conducted by the MHA to assess the progress of LWE eradication efforts.

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Civil society organizations and NGOs are being involved in development and rehabilitation efforts.

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Focus on improving governance and service delivery in LWE-affected areas to build trust and reduce alienation.

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The government is working to improve infrastructure, including roads, schools, and healthcare facilities, in these regions.

This Concept in News

1 topics

Odisha Revises Maoist Surrender Policy Again, Aiming for LWE Eradication

12 Feb 2026

This news highlights the dynamic interplay between the Centre and the States in addressing LWE. (1) It demonstrates the Centre's role in setting national targets and providing resources, while the States retain autonomy in implementing strategies. (2) Odisha's revised surrender policy applies the concept of competitive federalism, where States compete to attract surrendering Maoists. This challenges the traditional view of LWE management as solely a security issue, emphasizing rehabilitation and development. (3) The news reveals the evolving nature of LWE strategies, with a greater focus on incentives and socio-economic factors. (4) The implications of this news are that a more holistic and coordinated approach is needed to effectively address LWE, involving both security measures and development initiatives. (5) Understanding Centre-State Relations is crucial for analyzing this news because it explains the division of responsibilities, the mechanisms for cooperation, and the potential for both collaboration and competition between the Centre and the States in tackling complex issues like LWE.

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Frequently Asked Questions

12
1. What is Centre-State Relations in the context of addressing Left Wing Extremism (LWE), and what is its constitutional basis?

Centre-State Relations, in the context of addressing LWE, refers to the cooperation and coordination between the central government and state governments in tackling Maoist activities. The Constitution assigns law and order primarily to the States, but the Centre provides assistance. The constitutional basis lies in the distribution of powers defined in the Seventh Schedule, where law and order is a State subject (List II), but the Centre can deploy forces to assist.

Exam Tip

Remember that while law and order is a state subject, the Centre plays a crucial supporting role in LWE management.

2. What are the key provisions related to Centre-State cooperation in addressing LWE?

Key provisions include:

  • •Law and order being primarily a State subject (List II of the Seventh Schedule).
  • •The Centre's ability to deploy central armed police forces (CAPFs) to assist States.
  • •The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) coordinating efforts at the national level.
  • •The Security Related Expenditure (SRE) scheme providing financial assistance to States.
  • •The Special Infrastructure Scheme (SIS) supporting infrastructure projects in affected areas.

Exam Tip

Focus on the roles of MHA, SRE, and SIS in Centre-State cooperation for LWE management.

3. How has Centre-State cooperation in addressing LWE evolved over time?

Initially, LWE was seen as a state law and order problem. Over time, as LWE became more organized, the Centre's role increased. In the 1960s and 1970s, Naxal movements prompted central support. A comprehensive approach developed, recognizing the need for development initiatives alongside security measures.

Exam Tip

Note the shift from LWE being solely a state issue to a collaborative effort between the Centre and the States.

4. What are the frequently asked aspects related to Centre-State Relations in addressing LWE in the UPSC exam?

Frequently asked aspects include the division of powers, cooperative federalism, challenges in implementation, causes and impact of LWE, and strategies to combat it.

Exam Tip

Prepare well on the constitutional provisions, government schemes, and the overall strategy for tackling LWE.

5. How does Centre-State cooperation in addressing LWE work in practice?

In practice, the Centre provides financial assistance through schemes like SRE and SIS. It also deploys CAPFs to assist States. The MHA coordinates intelligence sharing and joint operations. States are responsible for maintaining law and order on the ground and implementing development initiatives.

Exam Tip

Understand the practical roles of different agencies and the importance of coordination.

6. What are the limitations of Centre-State cooperation in addressing LWE?

Limitations include delays in fund disbursement, lack of coordination between different agencies, varying priorities of the Centre and States, and challenges in implementing development projects in remote areas.

Exam Tip

Be aware of the practical challenges that hinder effective Centre-State cooperation.

7. What is the significance of Centre-State Relations in addressing LWE for Indian democracy?

Effective Centre-State Relations are crucial for maintaining internal security, upholding the rule of law, and ensuring equitable development. Cooperation in addressing LWE demonstrates the strength of cooperative federalism in India.

Exam Tip

Highlight the role of cooperative federalism in addressing internal security challenges.

8. What are the challenges in the implementation of Centre-State cooperation in addressing LWE?

Challenges include trust deficits between the Centre and States, differing political priorities, bureaucratic hurdles, and difficulties in coordinating security operations across state borders.

Exam Tip

Consider the political and administrative dimensions of Centre-State relations in LWE management.

9. What reforms have been suggested to improve Centre-State cooperation in addressing LWE?

Suggested reforms include:

  • •Strengthening intelligence sharing mechanisms.
  • •Enhancing coordination through joint task forces.
  • •Providing more flexible funding to States.
  • •Focusing on development initiatives to address the root causes of LWE.
  • •Regular dialogues between the Centre and States to resolve issues.

Exam Tip

Focus on practical and actionable reforms that can improve coordination and effectiveness.

10. How does India's Centre-State cooperation in addressing LWE compare with other countries facing similar challenges?

This information is not available in the provided context. Therefore, I cannot answer this question.

Exam Tip

N/A

11. What are the important articles/sections related to Centre-State Relations in addressing LWE?

The Constitution of India (Seventh Schedule, List II) assigns law and order primarily to the States. The Centre can deploy central armed police forces (CAPFs) to assist States in maintaining law and order.

Exam Tip

Focus on the Seventh Schedule and the distribution of powers between the Centre and the States.

12. What is the significance of the Security Related Expenditure (SRE) scheme in Centre-State relations for LWE management?

The Security Related Expenditure (SRE) scheme provides financial assistance to States for training, equipment, and infrastructure development related to security. This is a key element of Centre-State cooperation, enabling states to enhance their capabilities in combating LWE.

Exam Tip

Remember that SRE is a crucial funding mechanism for states to combat LWE.

Source Topic

Odisha Revises Maoist Surrender Policy Again, Aiming for LWE Eradication

Polity & Governance

UPSC Relevance

Centre-State Relations are crucial for GS-2 (Polity and Governance) and GS-3 (Internal Security). Questions often focus on the division of powers, cooperative federalism, and challenges in implementation. LWE is a recurring theme in GS-3, with questions on its causes, impact, and strategies for addressing it. Expect questions on the role of the Centre and States in tackling LWE, the effectiveness of different policies, and the challenges in achieving lasting peace. In Prelims, factual questions on relevant articles, schemes, and institutions are common. In Mains, analytical questions requiring a balanced perspective are asked. Recent years have seen increased focus on the developmental aspects of LWE management. Understanding the constitutional framework and policy initiatives is essential for answering these questions effectively.

This Concept in News

1 news topics

1

Odisha Revises Maoist Surrender Policy Again, Aiming for LWE Eradication

12 February 2026

This news highlights the dynamic interplay between the Centre and the States in addressing LWE. (1) It demonstrates the Centre's role in setting national targets and providing resources, while the States retain autonomy in implementing strategies. (2) Odisha's revised surrender policy applies the concept of competitive federalism, where States compete to attract surrendering Maoists. This challenges the traditional view of LWE management as solely a security issue, emphasizing rehabilitation and development. (3) The news reveals the evolving nature of LWE strategies, with a greater focus on incentives and socio-economic factors. (4) The implications of this news are that a more holistic and coordinated approach is needed to effectively address LWE, involving both security measures and development initiatives. (5) Understanding Centre-State Relations is crucial for analyzing this news because it explains the division of responsibilities, the mechanisms for cooperation, and the potential for both collaboration and competition between the Centre and the States in tackling complex issues like LWE.