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Tribals face land rights challenges during anti-Maoist operations

Source:Indian Express ↗

Why It Matters

This issue is crucial for UPSC aspirants as it illustrates the collateral damage of internal security operations on marginalized communities, highlighting the governance gaps in implementing progressive legislations like the Forest Rights Act (FRA) in conflict zones. It serves as a prime case study for the 'Development vs. Extremism' debate in GS Paper 3.

Summary

The article highlights the plight of displaced individuals, primarily tribal populations, struggling to secure their land rights in Chhattisgarh amid ongoing anti-Maoist security operations. The intensification of actions against Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) has led to widespread internal displacement. Consequently, these internally displaced Adivasis are finding it difficult to claim their historical land rights under the Forest Rights Act (FRA) and access government rehabilitation programs, exposing the friction between internal security measures and the socio-economic development of marginalized communities.

Key Points

  • Ongoing anti-Maoist operations in Chhattisgarh have exacerbated the internal displacement of tribal communities, catching them in the crossfire between security forces and insurgents.
  • Displaced populations face significant bureaucratic and on-ground hurdles in securing land titles and traditional forest rights under the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006.
  • The lack of formalized land rights deprives these internally displaced persons (IDPs) of compensation, livelihood security, and access to state welfare schemes.
  • The situation underscores the complex nexus between internal security imperatives, equitable development, and the protection of tribal rights in Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) affected regions.

Important Terms

Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006

Formally the 'Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers Act,' it recognizes individual and community land ownership and resource rights for communities residing in forests for generations.

UPSC context

GS Papers 2 & 3: Tests tribal rights, the 'historical injustice' doctrine, and implementation challenges in conflict zones.

Source
Panchayat Extension to Scheduled Areas (PESA) Act, 1996

Legislation extending Part IX of the Constitution to Fifth Schedule areas, empowering Gram Sabhas to manage resources and mandating consultation for land acquisition and rehabilitation.

UPSC context

GS Paper 2: Tests democratic decentralization and constitutional protections for tribal self-rule (Fifth Schedule).

Source
Left-Wing Extremism (LWE)

A Maoist-Leninist insurgency aiming to overthrow the state through 'protracted people's war,' often capitalizing on tribal grievances regarding land alienation and development deficits.

UPSC context

GS Paper 3: Internal security challenges and the linkages between development and the spread of extremism.

Source
Internally Displaced Persons (IDP)

Individuals forced to flee their homes within national borders due to conflict or rights abuses. In Chhattisgarh, they face hurdles in claiming land rights under the FRA.

UPSC context

GS Papers 2 & 3: Tests issues of social justice, rehabilitation policies, and human rights in conflict-affected regions.

Source
Salwa Judum

A state-backed tribal militia (2005–2011) deployed to counter Maoists; the Supreme Court banned it in the Nandini Sundar case for human rights violations.

UPSC context

GS Paper 3: Tests awareness of state-sponsored vigilantism, judicial oversight, and ethics in internal security operations.

Source

Prelims Trap

The Forest Department is the statutory authority to initiate the process for determining forest rights under FRA, 2006.

The Gram Sabha, not the Forest Department, is the statutory authority designated under FRA to initiate the process for determining Individual or Community Forest Rights.

Static Concepts Connected

Polity & Governance

What is the approval hierarchy for recognizing rights under the Forest Rights Act (FRA)?

  • Initiation: The Gram Sabha receives claims, consolidates them, and passes a resolution recommending the rights.
  • Screening: The Sub-Divisional Level Committee (SDLC) examines the Gram Sabha resolution and forwards it to the district level.
  • Final Approval: The District Level Committee (DLC) is the final statutory authority to approve the record of forest rights.
Internal Security

What are the key pillars of the Government's SAMADHAN strategy against LWE?

  • Security Operations: Aggressive operations by Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and State Police to neutralize armed insurgents.
  • Infrastructure Development: Focus on road connectivity, telecommunication, and financial inclusion to bridge infrastructure gaps in affected areas.
  • Rights & Entitlements: Securing land rights under FRA and effective implementation of PESA to build trust and deny local support to Maoists.

Cross-Topic Patterns

  • LWE geography & Critical Mineral blocks

    Chhattisgarh's LWE-affected regions overlap heavily with India's critical mineral and coal reserves. Security operations often precede mining clearances, creating friction between strategic resource extraction and tribal land rights.

  • IDPs: Conflict vs Policy Vacuum

    UPSC frequently links conflict-induced internal displacement (Bastar, Manipur) with broader migration challenges, analyzing the lack of a comprehensive national law for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and rehabilitation hurdles.

A multi-statement Prelims question combining FRA approval hierarchies, PESA powers, and MoTA as the nodal agency is highly likely in 2026.

Linked PYQs · 5

Linked PYQs · 5

  • 2022MainsGS3

    Naxalism is a social, economic and developmental issue manifesting as a violent internal security threat. In this context, discuss the emerging issues and suggest a multilayered strategy to tackle the menace of Naxalism.

  • 2018MainsGS3

    Left Wing Extremism (LWE) is showing a downward trend, but still affects many parts of the country. Briefly explain the Government of India's approach to counter the challenges posed by LWE.

  • 2021PrelimsGS1

    At the national level, which ministry is the nodal agency to ensure effective implementation of the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006?

  • 2013PrelimsGS1

    Under the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, who shall be the authority to initiate the process for determining the nature and extent of individual or community forest rights or both?

  • 2013PrelimsGS1

    The Government enacted the Panchayat Extension to Scheduled Areas (PESA) Act in 1996. Which one of the following is not identified as its objective?