Government Policies and the Problem of Naxalism in Chhattisgarh - An Empirical Study

Abstract

Naxalism has been an important internal security challenge in Chhattisgarh. The Government of India has adopted a policy that combines security measures, development programmes and the protection of the rights of local communities. The National Policy and Action Plan to address Left Wing Extremism was approved in 2015. It includes measures related to police capacity, road connectivity, telecommunications, skill development and access to welfare schemes. This paper examines the government’s policy approach to Naxalism in Chhattisgarh, with particular attention to security and development initiatives. It draws on official government reports and published information to understand the policy framework and its implementation. The paper also considers the importance of evaluating development outcomes alongside changes in violence. Since official reports mainly describe government measures and reported progress, their claims must be distinguished from independent evidence about the experiences of people living in affected areas.