A.9. Way forward
It is vital to strengthen the state’s protective shield against the multi-faceted exploitation of these populations. The constitutional and civil rights protections related to legislation should be made more effective concerning Schedule castes and scheduled tribes.
Land-related policies should be made more accessible to the vulnerable sections of the agrarian society. The development of beneficial land policies will improve food and livelihood security, and lesser actions of extremism.
The Red corridor has a high number of tribal populations who have serviced inadequately the government. More inclusive schemes and policies for their benefits are needed. Their development is imperative to curbing extremism in the region.
Security of livelihood can be ensured by establishing quality infrastructure, supportive technical services, and efficient market linkages at the village or cluster of village level to promote subsidiary and supported activities in animal husbandry, fisheries, horticulture, sericulture, and poultry.
The state should ensure more development work and its practical implementation on the ground at high priority, which would necessitate a clean, corruption-free, and accountable administration at all levels. As discussed, development and extremism are intricately related and should be addressed through the same lens.
National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA), 2005, Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, and National Rehabilitation & Resettlement Policy, 2007 are some of the policies that have been enacted and should be monitored for quality implementation.
The National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) is a critical component in ensuring that the poorest of the poor have access to livelihood support and protection.