2025 · GS Paper 3 · Q10 · 10 marks
The Government of India recently stated that Left Wing Extremism (LWE) will be eliminated by 2026. What do you understand by LWE and how are the people affected by it ? What measures have been taken by the government to eliminate LWE ?
In short
Left Wing Extremism is the Maoist insurgency that kills and impoverishes tribals while blocking development, and the government is ending it through a clear, hold and build approach combining security operations, development and rights. LWE-affected districts fell from 126 in 2014 to 11 in 2025.
Model answer
Ghissu Editorial · Verified 4 Oct 2026 · 274 words
Lives lost
Maoist kangaroo courts kill tribals as "police informers", and 1,495 civilians were killed between 2014 and 2024 (PIB).
Development held hostage
Destroyed schools, roads and mobile towers keep areas like Abujhmarh without basic services.
Caught in between
Villagers face extortion and child recruitment by Maoists, and displacement such as Salwa Judum (2005) uprooting Koya families.
Security offensive
The National Policy and Action Plan (2015) and SAMADHAN (2017) guide operations such as Karreguttalu Hills (2025), and CPI (Maoist) chief Basavaraju was killed in May 2025.
Holding ground
The Security Related Expenditure and Special Infrastructure schemes fund forward camps, and Chhattisgarh's Niyad Nellanar (2024) brings services to nearby villages.
Development and rights
Roads under the LWE connectivity project, Eklavya schools, ROSHNI skilling and Forest Rights Act titles address the grievances behind recruitment.
Funds and exits
NIA and ED action on Maoist finances and surrender policies erode the cadre base.
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Extremism17 questions
Asked in 11 of 14 sittings since 2013
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Question from the official UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination 2025 paper. Answer written by Ghissu's engine and checked against our editorial standards. Found an error? Tell us and we correct it within 48 hours.