Development Challenges in Extremist Affected Areas (2006)
The Planning Commission set up an Expert Group on “Development Issues to deal with the causes of Discontent, Unrest and Extremism” in May, 2006.
The Terms of Reference included – identification of processes and causes contributing to continued tensions and alienation in the areas of unrest and discontent, such as wide-spread displacement,forest issues, insecure tenancies and other forms of exploitation like usury, land alienation, special measures to be taken for strengthening the implementation of Panchayat Extension to Scheduled Area Act (PESA).It submitted its report in 2008.
Important Observations and Recommendations
It noted that the Naxalite movements are principally a political action for armed conquest of state power. Effective implementations of already existent laws/policies like National Rehabilitation & Resettlement Policy (2007), Protection of Civil Rights Act and the SCs & STs (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, etc. must be ensured.
Land ceiling laws implementation has stopped completely without justifying its objectives.
Acquisition of land has emerged as the single largest cause of involuntary displacement of tribals and turning them landless. Indiscriminate land acquisition should be stopped and land acquisition for public purpose should be confined to public welfare activities and matters of national security.
Schemes like MGNREGs have benefitted the most vulnerable sections (SCs/STs) highly. Hence, districts with tribal districts prone with malnutrition must be identified and targeted MGNREGs must be implemented to ensure livelihood security, etc.
The recommendations were taken under consideration and selective policy changes were made.
