[synopsis] Day 39 – August 10, 2024- 75 Days Mains Revision Plan 2024 Internal Security 

75 Days Mains Revision Plan 2024 – Internal Security 

Internal Security 

Q1. Shed light on the role of non-state actors in shaping India’s internal security dynamics and influencing its foreign relations. (10M)

Key Demand of the Question: To explore the significant impact of non-state actors on India’s internal security and foreign relations, with specific examples illustrating these effects.

Structure of the Answer:

• Introduction: Briefly introduce the concept of non-state actors and their relevance in India’s security and foreign policy.
• Body:
  • Challenges posed by Non-State Actors:
    • Drug Trafficking and Vulnerable Borders: Discuss how India’s geographical proximity to major drug-producing regions influences security.
    • Human Trafficking: Explain the persistent issue of human trafficking despite legal prohibitions.
    • Left-Wing Extremism: Highlight the impact of left-wing extremism on development and security.
    • Insurgency in the Northeast: Describe the insurgency issues in the northeastern region and their implications.
    • Terrorism and Transnational Networks: Explore the role of terrorist groups and transnational networks in undermining India’s security.
    • Cyber Threats: Discuss the growing cyber threats posed by non-state actors.
  • Role in Influencing India’s Foreign Relations:
    • Proxy Warfare: Explain how state-sponsored non-state actors affect India’s relations with neighboring countries.
    • Diaspora Influence: Discuss the impact of diaspora groups on India’s foreign relations.
    • Transnational Criminal Networks: Elaborate on the role of criminal networks in straining international relations.
• Conclusion: Summarize the challenges posed by non-state actors and emphasize the need for a balanced approach to internal security and foreign policy.

 

Introduction

Non-state actors ranging from terrorist organizations to transnational criminal networks, wield substantial power in today’s interconnected world. This influence is especially pronounced in India due to its complex geopolitical environment and diverse socio-political landscape.

Body: 

Challenges posed by Non-State actors

1. 1. Drug Trafficking and Vulnerable Borders: India’s proximity to the largest producers of heroin and hashish, known as the Golden Triangle and Golden Crescent (Afghanistan-Pakistan-Iran), has made its borders vulnerable to drug trafficking. The trafficking of drugs primarily occurs through land borders, followed by sea and air routes.
   2. Human Trafficking: Despite being illegal under Indian law, human trafficking remains a significant problem in India. People are often illegally trafficked through the country for commercial sexual exploitation and forced or bonded labour.

1. NGOs estimate that this issue affects a substantial number of Indians, ranging from 20 to 65 million individuals, although reliable data is lacking.

1. 1. Left-Wing Extremism and Developmental Hindrance: Left-wing extremism presents a major security threat to the nation, particularly impeding developmental processes in underdeveloped regions.
   2. Insurgency in the Northeast: The northeastern region of India faces insurgency due to inter-tribal conflicts, high levels of unemployment among youth, and illegal migration from neighbouring countries.
   3. Terrorism and Transnational Networks: India has faced a multitude of terrorist groups, with around 180 such groups listed by the South Asia Terrorism Portal over the last two decades. Many of these groups operate as transnational terror networks in collaboration with neighbouring South Asian countries like Bangladesh, Nepal, and Pakistan.

1. Non-state terrorist groups, such as Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), and the Maoist insurgency, have posed persistent threats to India’s internal security.

1. 1. Cyber Threats: Non-state actors, including hacktivists and cybercriminals, play a role in India’s internal security by conducting cyberattacks.

1. The 2020 cyberattack on India’s power grid, allegedly orchestrated by Chinese state-sponsored actors, disrupted electricity supply in parts of Mumbai.

Role in Influencing India’s Foreign Relations: 

1. Proxy Warfare: State sponsorship of non-state actors by India’s neighbours, particularly Pakistan, has been a contentious issue in India’s foreign relations.
2. The 2008 Mumbai attacks orchestrated by Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) exemplify the cross-border nature of these threats and their potential to strain diplomatic relations.
3. Diaspora Influence: Non-state actors among the Indian diaspora have played roles in shaping India’s foreign relations.
4. For example, Sikh diaspora groups in Canada and the UK have been vocal in advocating for Sikh rights and self-determination in India. This has at times caused diplomatic friction and impacted India’s relations with these countries.
5. Transnational Criminal Networks: Non-state criminal organizations engaged in activities like drug trafficking, human smuggling, and money laundering can undermine India’s foreign relations.
6. For instance, drug cartels operating in neighbouring countries, such as Afghanistan and Myanmar, are known to supply drugs to India. This trade has not only contributed to domestic drug-related issues but has also strained India’s relations with these countries due to their involvement in the illicit drug trade.  

Conclusion

India must continue to strengthen its security apparatus and engage in diplomatic efforts to manage these non-state actors effectively, both domestically and internationally, to safeguard its internal security and maintain stable foreign relations.

Q2. “Naxalism in India is a complex challenge born from grievances and aspirations, calling for a nuanced understanding and inclusive solutions”. In light of the statement, analyze the linkages between Naxalism and distorted developmental planning in India. (15M)

Key Demand of the Question: To analyze the relationship between Naxalism and the failures in developmental planning in India, highlighting the socio-economic factors that have fueled the movement.

Structure of the Answer:

• Introduction: Provide a brief overview of Naxalism and its historical context in India.
• Body:
  • Linkages between Naxalism and Distorted Developmental Planning:
    • Government’s Perception and Repression: Discuss the initial approach of the government towards Naxalism and its repercussions.
    • Lack of Inclusive Growth: Explain how distorted planning has led to exclusive development, neglecting marginalized regions.
    • Socio-Economic Factors as Root Causes: Explore the socio-economic issues that gave rise to Naxalism, including landlessness and exploitation.
    • Poverty and Economic Disparities: Analyze how poverty and economic disparities have sustained Naxalism.
    • Caste-Based Conflicts and Alienation of Tribal Land: Discuss the role of caste conflicts and tribal land alienation in fueling Naxalism.
    • Forest and Resource Exploitation: Explain how resource exploitation without benefits to local communities has exacerbated the problem.
    • Urban Middle-Class Support: Explore the support from urban youth for the Naxalite cause.
  • Tackling Naxalism:
    • Law and Order Approach: Discuss the government’s security measures and their effectiveness.
    • Social Integration Approach: Highlight the need for social and economic development to address the root causes.
    • Rehabilitation and Resettlement Policies: Explain the importance of policies that address displacement and rights of forest dwellers.
    • Balancing Development and Security: Emphasize the importance of balancing military operations with development efforts.
• Conclusion: Summarize the need for a multi-faceted approach to address Naxalism, combining security measures with inclusive development and social integration.

Introduction

Naxalism, a long-standing challenge in India, has deep-rooted connections with distorted developmental planning. It evolved from grievances and aspirations of marginalized populations, necessitating a comprehensive analysis of its linkages with India’s distorted developmental planning.

Body:

Linkages between Naxalism and distorted developmental planning in India:

• Government’s Perception and Repression: Initially, the Indian government perceived Naxalism as a mere law and order problem, failing to recognize its underlying causes.
  • Example: In 1967, during the Naxalbari uprising, the Indian government initially labelled it as mere “lawlessness“ and attempted to suppress it through force.
  • The state responded with repression, including emergency measures, which further fueled the movement’s violence. Despite enacting various laws to combat Naxals, the movement persisted due to its socio-economic underpinnings.
• Lack of Inclusive Growth: Naxalism thrives where development remains exclusive, benefitting only select groups. Distorted planning often prioritizes urban areas, neglecting rural and tribal regions.
  • Example: The lack of access to basic amenities such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure in remote villages of Jharkhand perpetuates a cycle of poverty and discontent.
• Socio-Economic Factors as Root Causes: Naxalism originated from deep-seated socio-economic issues, such as landlessness, eviction, and exploitation of tribal and lower-caste populations.
  • Naxalbari peasant unrest lay deep social issues, including unfair land transfers and anti-people actions by tea garden owners.
  • Government land reforms, though existing on paper, often failed to address the landlessness issue effectively, leaving many disenfranchised.
• Poverty and Economic Disparities: Naxal-affected regions typically suffer from high poverty rates, exacerbated by government policies that focus on agricultural output without addressing economic disparities.
  • Example: In Telangana, poverty rates in districts like Karimnagar, Adilabad, and Warangal reached as high as 95.8%, while the rest of the state had poverty rates between 50% and 60%. This economic polarization provided fertile ground for Naxal ideology to take root.
• Caste-Based Conflicts & Alienation of tribal land: Naxalism often manifested as caste conflicts, as marginalized groups identified with its ideology to challenge social oppression. Alienation of tribal land, coupled with government restrictions on forest access, led to economic distress among tribal communities.
  • Example: Srikakulam, a Naxal-affected region, witnessed chronic poverty and destitution among tribal communities. Loss of access to forest resources contributed to their discontentment and involvement in Naxalism.
• Forest and Resource Exploitation: Naxal-affected areas often witness resource exploitation without adequate benefits reaching local communities. Distorted development planning favours industries over the well-being of indigenous populations.
  • Example: Mining activities in Odisha’s tribal regions have resulted in environmental degradation and displacement of tribal communities. These communities feel marginalized and excluded from the benefits of resource extraction.
• Urban Middle-Class Support: Naxalism found support among educated urban youth, especially the middle class, driven by disillusionment with the system. Economic hardships and government oppression during the emergency period further fueled youth involvement.
  • This educated middle-class support highlighted the movement’s appeal to a diverse range of individuals.

Tackling Naxalism

• Law and Order Approach: The Indian government launched the Police Modernization Scheme to equip state police forces with modern equipment and infrastructure, aiming to enhance their ability to combat Naxal violence. The deployment of Central Paramilitary Forces further illustrates this approach.
  • Security-related expenditure schemes have been implemented in affected districts to enhance security infrastructure.
• Social Integration Approach: Social and economic development initiatives, like the Backward Districts initiative and Backward Regions Grant Fund, aim to address the root causes of Naxalism.
  • Incentives, land reforms, and vocational training for tribals and marginalized groups help build trust and stability.
• Rehabilitation and Resettlement Policies: Policies like the Rehabilitation and Resettlement Policy and Forest Rights Act provide avenues for addressing displacement and ensuring the rights of forest dwellers.
  • Example: The Rehabilitation and Resettlement Policy aims to provide displaced individuals with benefits such as land-for-land compensation, job prospects, vocational training, and housing.
• Balancing Development and Security: The government should prioritize both security and development, ensuring that military operations do not harm civilians or exacerbate grievances.
  • Example: Ensuring that military operations do not harm civilians, like those implemented in Chhattisgarh’s Counter Terrorism and Jungle Warfare College, is essential to maintaining both security and development efforts in Naxal-affected regions.

Conclusion

Naxalism’s origins lie in the failure of governance to address socio-economic injustices. While the government’s law and order approach is necessary, it must be complemented by holistic social integration efforts. By focusing on inclusive growth, land reforms, and addressing the root causes of discontent, India can pave the way towards a more stable and equitable future, effectively countering the challenge of Naxalism.

ETHICS

1Q. Explain the importance of probity for civil service. Suggest some measures to strengthen probity in civil service. [10M, 150words]

Key Demand of question: explain the importance of probity and measures to enhance probity.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: Define probity.

Body:

• First explain the importance of probity in civil service.
• Then suggest measures to strengthen the probity in India.

Conclusion: Conclude by highlighting the significance of probity.

Introduction:

Probity refers to the adherence to high standards of ethics and integrity, ensuring honesty, transparency, and accountability in all actions. In civil service, probity is crucial as it builds trust between the public and the administration, ensuring that public resources are used effectively and fairly.

Body:

The importance of probity for civil service is:

1. Building public trust: Probity assures citizens that public servants act in their best interests, fostering confidence in governance.

E.g. the ISRO department has the highest public confidence.

2. Ensuring fairness and integrity: Upholding probity ensures that civil servants act impartially, fairly, and with integrity, and ensuring equitable treatment of all citizens.

E.g. Smita Sabharwal IAS known as a People’s Officer for her work.

3. Promoting transparency and accountability: Probity ensures that actions and decisions are transparent and that civil servants are held accountable for their conduct.

E.g. RTI and e-Disclosure in websites.

4. Enhancing effectiveness of governance: A probity-driven civil service ensures that resources are used efficiently and policies are implemented without bias.

E.g. Public consultation on drafted laws.

Measures to strengthen probity in civil service are:

1. Strengthening public financial management: Emphasize accountability in the management of public funds through strict financial controls, audits, and transparent reporting to prevent corruption.

E.g. Social audits in all programs and schemes.

2. Encouraging citizen participation: Engage citizens in governance processes, such as public consultations, to enhance citizen ownership of governance.

E.g. MyCityMyBudget program of Bangalore can be nationwide replicated.

3. Strengthening anti-corruption measures: Establish and strengthen anti-corruption bodies and laws, ensuring they have the power and independence to investigate.

E.g. Revise the anti-corruption act and remove Art 311.

4. Enhancing ethics education and training: Incorporate ethics education and regular training programs for public officials to foster a culture of probity and ethical decision-making in civil service.

E.g. Ethical training modules every 5-6 years for officials.

5. Effective complaint and redressal procedures: Implement effective internal and external complaint mechanisms to address grievances promptly.

E.g. Karnataka Jana Spandhana program.

6. Regular ethics audits: Conduct ethics audits regularly to identify risks to integrity and address potential ethical challenges proactively.

E.g. Ethics commissioners as recommended by 2^nd ARC.

Conclusion:

Probity is the cornerstone of an effective and trustworthy civil service. By upholding high ethical standards, civil servants can ensure that they serve the public interest with integrity, thereby strengthening democracy and fostering good governance.

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