The Naxalite movement traces its origins to May 18th, 1967, when the Siliguri Kishan Sabha in West Bengal, declared their support to few individuals of the Naxalbari village who had suggested adopting armed struggle to redistribute land to the landless. The Naxalite movement, as it is now referred to, over the years, spread itself geographically to other states of the country. The youth belonging to such insurgent areas understandably live under vulnerable situations.

Government Initiatives for the Youth in CPI (Maoist) insurgency affected ‘Red Corridor’

• In 2009, a Left Wing Extremism (LWE) Division was created as a part of the Home Ministry to effectively address the Left Wing Extremist insurgency in a holistic manner. The division was also made responsible for coordinating with various departments of state and central government on the developmental activities and initiatives in these areas.
• As per the new Integrated Action Plan, the government plans to bring adivasis into the mainstream and at the same time strictly deal with the violence.
• A district-wise approach of development has also been replaced now by adopting block level development planning.
• It is also planned to setup development hubs in each of the worst affected districts.
• Government has launched scores of initiatives in the field of education and skill development for the benefit of the youth belonging to the LWE regions.
• Since uneducated and unemployed youth are considered as soft targets by insurgents to recruit and join the cadre, Government has worked out an integrated plan to educate the youth of the region:
  • For example, Under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyaan, residential schooling facility is being provided to all children.
  • For girl child, Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas provide affordable and quality elementary education.
  • Secondary education is ensured through Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA). A number of KVs and Navodaya schools are also being opened up.
• Ministry of Skill Development is training 160 youth in each of the 34 LWE affected districts under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana. Additionally, the government is preparing students for competitive exams through its institute ‘Prayas’.
• Further, the Police of Jharkhand have initiated a very unique initiative for the children of LWE affected region Palamu of the state. This initiative is called ‘Taare Zameen Par’. In this initiative, books, notebooks, clothes, bags, shoes. etc. are collected from the residents of Daltonganj, the headquarters of the Palamu district. The police then re-distributes those among local children who come from under-privileged backgrounds.

Government Schems for the youth affected by North-east Insurgency

• The Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region is coordinating central government department initiatives for the North East.
• The Skill Development Ministry has planned State Skill Development Mission for few of the north eastern states. The mission is working to train youth with the help of government ITIs and private agencies.
• Additionally, State Livelihood Mission as well as NULM schemes are also being deployed to skill the youth.
• The areas being identified are as follows: a) Hospitality (Cuisines, Food & Beverage, Pastry and Baking) b) Tourism- Tour operators, hotels, home stay, taxis to places of attraction, etc. c) Nursing, Para medics d) Wellness and beauty e) Fashion designing and garments, handloom weaving. f) Essential Technicians g) Automobile- fitter, turner, mechanics, welding h) Soft skills for employability in any sector i) Retail merchandising j) Aviation- Cabin Crew, Air Hostess, ground crew, etc.
• DONER Ministry is also offering subsidy incentives in NER for industrial and other units generating employment.

Government Schemes for the youth affected by Terrorist organizations and insurgent groups of Jammu and Kashmir

• UDAAN: It aims to provide corporate exposure to the youth as well as provide corporate India with the talent available in the state. The schemes have received an overwhelming response and is making a considerable impact on ground.
• Sadbhavna: This initiative is run by the Indian Army. Under Sadbhavna, Army runs several important programmes for the youth of Jammu and Kashmir.
• Army also runs National Integration Tour under Sadbhavna where students get to visit other states of the country and get a first hand view of the culture of their fellow citizens.
• Army also runs vocational training centres and women empowerment centres spread across the state to provide practical skills to interested and deserving candidates.
• Army in association with its training partner, Centre for Social Responsibility and Learning (CSRL) and Petronet LNG runs Kashmir Super 40 initiative for coaching Jammu and Kashmir youth for engineering entrance exams.
• Himayat: This scheme endeavours to train 1.24 lakh local youth of Jammu and Kashmir in job intensive vocational courses.