24 April 2024 : Indian Express Editorial Analysis

Indian Express Editorial Analysis

24-April-2024

1. Time to Heal

Topic: GS3 – Internal Security – Linkages between development & spread of extremism This topic is relevant for Mains as the analysis delves into the underlying socio-economic factors fueling Naxalism.

 

Context:

Security forces administered a significant blow to the Maoists in Kanker district, Chhattisgarh, near the Maharashtra border on April 14. A joint force comprising the BSF and district reserve guard engaged a division of Maoists on the periphery of Abujmarh in Binagunda and Koronar forests, resulting in the death of 29 Maoists, including three senior commanders. The operation also led to the recovery of a substantial quantity of arms and ammunition, indicating a major setback for the Maoists in Bastar.

Decline of Maoist Influence:

• The Maoist movement, which peaked in 2010, has witnessed a decline in violence and geographical spread.
• Prime Minister Manmohan Singh previously identified Left-wing extremism (LWE) as the gravest internal security threat to the nation.
• However, heavy deployment of central armed police forces and the implementation of national policy and action plans have led to a consistent decline in violence and the constriction of Maoist influence.
• Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityananda Rai highlighted a 73% reduction in violence since 2010 and a decrease in the number of police stations reporting LWE-related violence.

Surrenders and Government Statements:

• Sustained pressure on Naxalites has resulted in a significant number of surrenders over the years, with approximately 16,780 Naxalites surrendering between 2000 and 2024.
• Home Minister Amit Shah and other officials have expressed optimism about combating the Naxal issue, with promises to eradicate the problem within specific timeframes.
• However, despite government efforts and declarations, the problem persists.

Challenges and Flaws in Approach:

• The government’s approach to tackling the Naxal problem faces several challenges and flaws.
• There is a lack of an overall strategic plan, leading to varying approaches by different states.
• Moreover, states often perceive LWE as a national problem, passing responsibility to the central government.
• Until state forces take the lead in anti-Naxal operations, with central armed police forces playing a subsidiary role, the issue may not be conclusively resolved.

Whole-of-Government Approach and Environmental Factors:

• A whole-of-government approach is lacking, with security forces unable to sustain cleared areas without proper administration and infrastructure development.
• Additionally, fundamental problems such as deforestation and tribal displacement contribute to the Naxal issue.
• The ambiguity in the definition of “forest” in the Forest Conservation Act’s amendment of 2023 may further exacerbate environmental and social issues.

Economic Inequality and Peace Dialogue:

• The extreme levels of economic inequality, as highlighted by the World Inequality Lab, add another layer to the Naxal problem.
• With the government having the upper hand, there is an opportunity to initiate peace dialogue with Naxal leadership.
• Such dialogue should not be seen as a sign of weakness but rather as a magnanimous effort to resolve the conflict peacefully.
• Drawing parallels with peace talks in the Northeast, it is time to mainstream tribals and address their grievances instead of seeking to defeat them.

Conclusion:

• While security forces have achieved significant victories against the Maoists, the underlying issues driving the conflict remain unresolved.
• A comprehensive and coordinated approach involving both security measures and socio-economic initiatives is necessary to address the root causes of the Naxal problem and achieve lasting peace in Central India.

Ways to end Naxalism in India

Good governance: The presence of Naxals in the country also reveals the loopholes in the law and order of the country which has failed to curb the menace. The central government needs to implement a coherent national strategy to end Naxalism. Dialogue: Dialogues between the Naxal leaders, and the government officials can be a way to work out a solution.The government should initiate sincere dialogue with Naxalites. Generate more employment and increase wages: Insecure livelihood and unemployment in the areas have left the people with no option but to join the Naxals. If we are actually thinking of ways to end Naxalism, we’ll first have to provide the people of the area with proper employment opportunities with increased wages Rehabilitation and resettlement:  Mining grounds, irrigation areas, industries, etc., in the area without any provision for the resettlement of the displaced people has only added to the woes of the poor There needs to be more emphasis on rehabilitation of these affected population Prevent environmental degradation: Environmental degradation in the form of destruction of land and water resources due to mining and industrial activities. The locals are left with disrupted lives and adversely affecting tourism Stop the political marginalization of weaker sections: Weaker sections of the society, the scheduled castes and scheduled tribes still face discrimination from the upper class. These downtrodden sections don’t enjoy equal participation in casting and contesting politically, making them soft targets of Naxals. Remove disparity: Economic disparity and the growing distance between rich and the poor is one of the main problems that has contributed to the growth of Naxalism This distance needs to be filled to an extent hastily to stop Naxalism Let ordinary citizens have access to basic resources: One of the major reasons for unrest is the exploitation of forest and lands of the tribal people for industrial purposes. The loss of land and the lack of basic facilities like education, freedom, sanitation and food Take steps for welfare of the tribals: The socially backward tribals form the major support base for Naxalites because of inequality, illiteracy and lack of opportunities. It’s important to prevent these people from falling in the Naxal trap. Modernize law enforcement agencies: The major policing lies in the hands of the state governments. At central level, many agencies are under the command of Union Ministry of Home Affairs  Central government must inroads into these disturbed states with their agencies well-equipped with modern artillery and assist the usually poorly-equipped agencies of the state.

 

PYQ: The persisting drives of the government for development of large industries in backward areas have resulted in isolating the tribal population and the farmers who face multiple displacements with Malkangiri and Naxalbari foci, discuss the corrective strategies needed to win the left wing extremism (LWE) doctrine affected citizens back into the mainstream of social and economic growth. (200 words/12.5m) (UPSC CSE (M) GS-3 2015)

Practice Question:  Discuss the recent developments in the government’s efforts to counter the Maoist insurgency in India, highlighting both successes and challenges. (250 words/15 m)

2. BRINGING UP A CHILD

Topic: GS2 – Social Justice This topic is relevant for both Prelims and Mains in the context of knowing facts about issues related to gender equality and workforce participation.

 

Context:

The recent judgment by the Supreme Court underscores the centrality of the provision of childcare leave (CCL) to women’s participation in the workforce. The case involved an Assistant Professor in Himachal Pradesh who was denied CCL to care for her child with a rare genetic disorder. The Court’s directive to the state chief secretary to form a committee for policy changes reflects the recognition that women’s participation in the workforce is not just a privilege but a constitutional entitlement.

Female Labour Force Participation:

• The Periodic Labour Force Survey Report 2022-23 highlights a significant increase in the female labour force participation rate, reaching 37%.
• Despite this positive trend, there remains a lack of provisions to support women in balancing their work and caregiving responsibilities.
• Women in India shoulder a disproportionate burden of care responsibilities both at home and outside of it, often leading to career disruptions or stalled professional growth.

Unpaid Care Work:

• Studies reveal that women in India perform over eight times the amount of unpaid work compared to men, valued at 15-17% of GDP notionally.
• The demands of motherhood, housekeeping, and elderly care require women to juggle multiple responsibilities simultaneously, leading to challenges in sustaining their careers.
• Addressing this imbalance is crucial for ensuring gender equality in the workforce.

Infrastructure Investment:

• Looking ahead, investing in infrastructure to support affordable and specialized childcare and elder care services is essential, especially considering the projected increase in the senior citizen population by 2050.
• Accessible care options can alleviate the burden on working women and enable them to remain active in the workforce.

Gender-Neutral Approach to Care Work:

• Promoting a gender-neutral approach to care work is also vital for dismantling stereotypes and accommodating the changing nature of families.
• Extending CCL to all employees, irrespective of gender, would be a progressive step towards recognizing the importance of caregiving responsibilities and facilitating a more inclusive and supportive work environment.

Conclusion:

• While progressive legislation such as CCL is crucial, addressing broader societal attitudes towards caregiving and investing in supportive infrastructure are equally important for promoting women’s participation and advancement in the workforce.

Types of leave

Maternity leave for female employees: Maternity leave is a mandatory employee benefit in India that enables first and second-time mothers to take leave for 26 weeks. Paternity leave for male employees – Paternity leave allows new fathers to take care of their newborns, but unlike maternity leave, there’s no formal policy or law in India that mandates this type of leave for employees working in the private sector. Sick leave– Sick leave, as the name suggests, encourages employees to stay at home to rest and recover when they are unwell or injured. Most organizations in India provide a minimum of 12 sick leaves to their employees, and all 12 leaves are credited at the beginning of the year. Casual (planned) leave– Casual leave, also known as planned leave, enables employees to take regular vacations and manage responsibilities like attending parent-teacher conferences and participating in important events without losing their pay. Earned (privileged) leave– Earned leave, also called privileged leave, is a special type of leave that employees earn for working a specific number of days. The amount of earned leave that an employee is entitled to receive depends on the region. Unlike sick and casual leaves, employees can accumulate and carry earned leave into the next year. Other leave types – Here are some other common leave types that are not mandated by any leave law, but some organizations provide them as an added benefit: Marriage leave – For employees getting married, most organizations offer a minimum of three days to a maximum of two weeks. The exact number of marriage leaves differs from organization to organization. Compensatory leave – Certain organizations encourage employees to take leave on weekdays whenever they work overtime, or on non-working days like weekends and holidays. Loss-of-pay leave – Some organizations allow employees to take leave even after they have exhausted their leave balance, but they don’t pay them for those leave days. Such leaves without pay are called loss-of-pay or LOP leaves.

 

Practice Question:  Discuss the importance of childcare leave (CCL) for women’s workforce participation in India, considering recent developments and challenges. How can government policies address the issue of unpaid care work and promote gender equality in the workforce? (250 words/15 m)

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