Q. Critically examine the Government of Odisha’s surrender and rehabilitation policy aimed at combating Left Wing Extremism in the State.
Ans: The Government of Odisha’s Surrender and Rehabilitation Policy is a strategic intervention to counter Left Wing Extremism (LWE) by encouraging militants to lay down arms and reintegrate into society. While security operations are vital, the policy represents a human-centric approach, addressing socio-economic vulnerabilities that fuel extremism.
Objectives and Key Provisions
The policy aims to:
- Disengage youth from insurgency by offering dignified alternatives.
- Restore peace and governance in LWE-affected regions through rehabilitation.
- Support psychological and social reintegration of surrendered individuals.
Key features include:
- Monetary incentives (up to ₹5 lakh) for surrender and compensation for surrendered arms.
- Vocational training and employment support, particularly through schemes like Skill India.
- Legal assistance and housing support for reintegration into civil life.
- Establishment of de-radicalization centers and counselling services.
Critical Analysis of Effectiveness
Positive Impacts:
- Helped reduce active cadre strength and violence in districts like Malkangiri, Kandhamal, and Koraput.
- Enhanced trust in state mechanisms, encouraging voluntary surrender.
Limitations and Challenges:
- Inconsistent implementation across districts due to administrative constraints.
- Lack of post-rehabilitation monitoring, leading to recidivism risks.
- Stigma and social exclusion of surrendered individuals by local communities.
- Limited coordination between police, administration, and civil society organizations.
In conclusion, while Odisha’s policy reflects a progressive shift from coercion to inclusive governance, it requires robust execution, community sensitization, and long-term support systems to ensure sustainable peace in LWE-hit areas.