12 Feb 2026·Source: The Hindu

5 min

Polity & GovernancePolity & GovernanceNEWS

Odisha Revises Maoist Surrender Policy Again, Aiming for LWE Eradication

Odisha government revises Maoist surrender policy for the second time in three months.

The Odisha government has revised its Maoist surrender and rehabilitation policy for a second time in less than three months, according to a Home Department notification, stepping up its efforts to eradicate Left Wing Extremism (LWE) by March 31, a deadline set by the Union Home Ministry. The Mohan Majhi government has now relaxed the eligibility criteria for surrender. The scheme will be applicable to persons who may or may not be natives of Odisha but are involved in activities of the Communist Party of India (Maoist).

The scheme offers an attractive reward package and claims to be 10% higher than Chhattisgarh’s. The members of the Central Committee or Politburo will be eligible for benefits up to ₹1.10 crore. The State Committee members will receive up to ₹55 lakh and Regional Committee members will be entitled to ₹33 lakhs in the event of surrender.

Key Facts

Odisha government revised its Maoist surrender policy for the second time in less than three months.

The revision aims to eradicate Left Wing Extremism (LWE) by March 31, a deadline set by the Union Home Ministry.

The Mohan Majhi government has relaxed the eligibility criteria for surrender.

The scheme is applicable to persons who may or may not be natives of Odisha but are involved in activities of the Communist Party of India (Maoist).

UPSC Exam Angles

GS Paper III: Internal Security - Linkage between development and spread of extremism

GS Paper II: Government Policies and Interventions for Development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation

Potential question types: Statement-based, analytical questions on the effectiveness of government policies

Visual Insights

LWE Affected Areas in Odisha

Map showing the location of Odisha and its neighboring states affected by Left Wing Extremism. The revised surrender policy aims to eradicate LWE by March 2024.

Loading interactive map...

📍Odisha📍Chhattisgarh📍Jharkhand

Odisha's Revised Surrender Policy: Key Incentives

Dashboard highlighting the financial incentives offered under Odisha's revised Maoist surrender policy.

Central Committee/Politburo Member Benefit: ₹1.10 crore
State Committee Member Benefit: ₹55 lakh
Regional Committee Member Benefit: ₹33 lakhs
Incentive compared to Chhattisgarh: 10% higher

More Information

Background

The issue of Left Wing Extremism (LWE) in India has deep roots in socio-economic inequalities and historical injustices. The movement's origins can be traced back to the Naxalbari uprising in West Bengal in 1967, which was sparked by land disputes and exploitation of marginalized communities. This uprising led to the formation of various Maoist groups advocating for armed struggle against the state. Over the decades, the LWE movement has evolved, spreading to several states across India, particularly in the tribal-dominated regions of the eastern and central parts of the country. The government's response has also evolved, shifting from a purely security-centric approach to a more integrated strategy that includes development initiatives and efforts to address the underlying causes of discontent. Key concepts in understanding this evolution include Operation Green Hunt, a large-scale security operation, and various rehabilitation policies aimed at encouraging surrender and reintegration. The legal and constitutional framework for dealing with LWE is complex, involving a combination of central and state laws. The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) is a key piece of legislation used to designate and counter unlawful activities, including those associated with Maoist groups. Additionally, the Constitution of India provides the framework for addressing socio-economic inequalities through various provisions related to social justice and the welfare of marginalized communities. The role of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) is also crucial in ensuring that human rights are protected during counter-insurgency operations. Internationally, the Maoist movement in India has drawn inspiration from similar movements in other countries, particularly in Nepal and the Philippines. However, the Indian context is unique due to its diverse socio-economic landscape and democratic institutions. Comparative analysis with other countries can provide valuable insights into the challenges and strategies for addressing LWE.

Latest Developments

In recent years, the government has intensified its efforts to combat LWE through a multi-pronged approach. This includes strengthening security forces, improving infrastructure in affected areas, and implementing targeted development programs. Schemes like SAMADHAN doctrine are crucial in this regard. There are ongoing debates about the effectiveness of different strategies for addressing LWE. Some argue that a purely security-centric approach is counterproductive and can alienate local communities. Others emphasize the need for a more nuanced approach that combines security measures with development initiatives and efforts to address the underlying causes of discontent. Institutions like NITI Aayog play a key role in formulating and implementing development strategies for LWE-affected areas. The future outlook for LWE in India is uncertain. While the government has made significant progress in reducing the geographical spread and intensity of the movement, challenges remain. These include the need to address socio-economic inequalities, improve governance, and build trust between the state and local communities. The government has set targets for eradicating LWE from certain regions by specific dates, but achieving these targets will require sustained efforts and a comprehensive approach. One of the major challenges is ensuring that development initiatives reach the intended beneficiaries and are implemented effectively. Corruption, lack of accountability, and inadequate monitoring mechanisms can undermine the effectiveness of these initiatives. Additionally, there is a need to address the issue of land rights and ensure that tribal communities are not displaced or marginalized in the name of development.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the key facts about Odisha's revised Maoist surrender policy that are important for the UPSC Prelims exam?

The Odisha government has revised its Maoist surrender policy for the second time in three months, aiming to eradicate Left Wing Extremism (LWE) by March 31. The policy relaxes eligibility criteria and offers a reward package, claiming to be 10% higher than Chhattisgarh's. Key figures to remember are ₹1.10 crore for Central Committee members and ₹55 lakh for State Committee members.

Exam Tip

Focus on the deadlines, monetary rewards, and comparison with Chhattisgarh's policy for potential MCQ questions.

2. What is Left Wing Extremism (LWE) and why is the Odisha government trying to eradicate it?

Left Wing Extremism (LWE), often referred to as Naxalism or Maoism, is a movement rooted in socio-economic inequalities and historical injustices. The Odisha government is trying to eradicate it to establish peace, promote development, and ensure the safety and security of its citizens, aligning with the Union Home Ministry's deadline.

3. How does Odisha's revised Maoist surrender policy differ from previous policies, and what are the potential pros and cons of these changes?

The revised policy relaxes eligibility criteria and offers a more attractive reward package compared to previous policies. Pros include increased surrenders and reduced LWE activity. Cons could involve potential misuse of the policy, financial burden on the state, and the risk of surrendered Maoists returning to extremism.

4. What is the significance of the March 31 deadline set by the Union Home Ministry for eradicating LWE, and how does Odisha's revised policy contribute to this goal?

The March 31 deadline signifies a renewed push by the central government to eliminate LWE. Odisha's revised policy contributes by incentivizing Maoists to surrender, weakening the LWE movement, and paving the way for development and security in affected areas.

5. Explain the SAMADHAN doctrine in relation to the Odisha government's efforts to combat LWE.

As per the topic data, schemes like SAMADHAN doctrine are crucial in the government's multi-pronged approach to combat LWE. However, the specifics of how the Odisha government is implementing it in conjunction with the revised surrender policy are not detailed in the provided text.

6. What are the important dates and figures to remember regarding Odisha's revised Maoist surrender policy for the UPSC exam?

Key dates include February 9, the date of the Home Department notification, and March 31, the deadline to eradicate LWE. Important figures are ₹1.10 crore for Central Committee members, ₹55 lakh for State Committee members, and 10%, the percentage by which Odisha's reward package is claimed to be higher than Chhattisgarh's.

Exam Tip

Create flashcards with these dates and figures for quick revision.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the recent revision of Odisha's Maoist surrender policy: 1. The revised policy is applicable only to native residents of Odisha involved in CPI (Maoist) activities. 2. The revised policy offers a reward package that is claimed to be 10% higher than Chhattisgarh's surrender policy. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 only
B.2 only
C.Both 1 and 2
D.Neither 1 nor 2

Show Answer

Answer: B

Statement 1 is INCORRECT: The revised policy is applicable to persons who may or may not be natives of Odisha but are involved in activities of the Communist Party of India (Maoist). Statement 2 is CORRECT: The scheme offers an attractive reward package and claims to be 10% higher than Chhattisgarh’s.

2. With reference to Left Wing Extremism (LWE) in India, consider the following: I. The Mohan Majhi government recently revised the Maoist surrender policy in Odisha. II. Members of the Central Committee or Politburo who surrender are eligible for benefits up to ₹1.10 crore. III. The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) is often used in cases related to LWE. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.I and II only
B.II and III only
C.I and III only
D.I, II and III

Show Answer

Answer: D

All three statements are correct based on the provided summary and general knowledge about LWE in India. The Odisha government revised its surrender policy. The financial benefits for surrendering Maoists are as stated. The UAPA is indeed used in LWE-related cases.

3. Which of the following committees is/are associated with addressing issues related to Left Wing Extremism (LWE) in India? 1. P. Chidambaram Committee 2. Justice J.S. Verma Committee 3. Ajit Doval Committee Select the correct answer using the code given below:

A.1 only
B.1 and 3 only
C.2 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: B

The P. Chidambaram Committee and Ajit Doval Committee are associated with addressing issues related to Left Wing Extremism (LWE) in India. The Justice J.S. Verma Committee was related to amendments to criminal law after the 2012 Delhi gang rape case.