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Introduction

Economic marginalization, governance deficits, and radical ideologies form a self-reinforcing cycle, particularly in India’s conflict-prone regions such as Central India, the Northeast, and Jammu & Kashmir. Their interplay exacerbates socio-political tensions and perpetuates violence.

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Complex Interplay Between the Three Factors

  • Economic Marginalization and Governance Deficits
    • Unemployment and Poverty: Economic exclusion fosters resentment among marginalized groups.
      • For example, tribal communities in Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh face displacement due to mining projects but receive inadequate rehabilitation.
    • Inefficient Welfare Delivery: Corruption and poor implementation of welfare schemes like MNREGA alienate the poor, leaving them susceptible to anti-state narratives.
  • Economic Marginalization Fueling Radical Ideologies
    • Promise of Redistribution: Groups like Maoists in Central India leverage economic grievances to recruit marginalized youth, promising a redistribution of resources.
      • The Maoist insurgency has its roots in the deprivation of forest rights and access to resources for tribal communities.
    • Exclusion from National Development: Areas like Bastar lag in key HDI indicators, making them fertile ground for radical ideologies to gain traction.
  • Governance Deficits Enabling Radicalization
    • Security Vacuum: Weak law enforcement in regions like Manipur during the ethnic violence of 2023 allowed insurgent groups to exploit tensions and recruit members.
    • Neglect of Dialogue: Governance failure to address grievances diplomatically (e.g., delay in implementing Sixth Schedule provisions in Northeast India) pushes marginalized groups towards militancy.
  • Radical Ideologies Exploiting Governance and Economic Gaps
    • Creating Parallel Governance: Radical groups often step in to fill governance voids, offering basic services, justice, and protection (e.g., Maoist-controlled regions in Chhattisgarh).
    • Weaponizing Identity and Grievances: Radical ideologies like those seen in Jammu & Kashmir exploit socio-economic exclusions to fuel separatist sentiments.
      • Unemployment in J&K is over 18%, far above the national average, creating fertile ground for radical narratives.
      • The abrogation of Article 370 brought administrative reforms but not yet adequately addressed deep-seated economic alienation, leading to continued unrest and recruitment by extremist groups.

Way Forward

  • Inclusive Development: Enhance employment opportunities through region-specific policies (e.g., extending Skill India to conflict-prone areas).
  • Strengthening Governance: Improve last-mile delivery of schemes and address corruption through digital governance (e.g., JAM trinity).
  • De-radicalization Programs: Engage communities via education, counseling, and socio-economic upliftment, as seen in Kerala’s model to counter radicalization.
  • Inclusive Development: Strengthen welfare delivery through better governance, particularly in tribal regions. For example, expand the success of PM Van Dhan Yojana to enhance tribal livelihoods.
  • Conflict Resolution Mechanisms: Promote dialogues, as seen in the Naga Peace Accord (2015), to address long-standing grievances.
    • India could benefit from Singapore’s community-driven approach while learning from the UK and Saudi Arabia’s shortcomings in scalability and individual assessments

Conclusion

The interplay of economic marginalization, governance deficits, and radical ideologies requires a multi-pronged approach. Bridging governance gaps, promoting inclusive growth, and addressing identity-based grievances are essential to breaking this cycle. As evidenced by the Aspirational Districts Program, targeted efforts combining development and good governance can offer a pathway to peace and progress in India’s conflict-prone regions.

Legacy Editor Changed status to publish August 22, 2025