The Hindu Editorial Analysis- 7th October 2024 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

A Learning Curve

Why in News?

On October 3, without much fanfare, the Centre launched an online portal that will serve as the platform for implementing one of the major announcements in the Budget for India’s unemployed, and to a signicant extent, unemployable youth. The portal, which operationalises the PM Internship Scheme — part of a five-scheme package designed to spur job creation and impart skills to 4.1 crore youth over five years — will match companies willing to offer year-long on-the-job training stints with young people striving to find a job. In principle, the mainly Centre-funded scheme makes sense for a country with a large, young workforce which is also grappling with distressing levels of youth unemployment. 

Details

• The Prime Minister Internship Scheme is a new initiative started by the Indian government to assist young individuals in gaining work experience.
• This program was introduced by the Union Finance Minister during the Budget speech on July 23.
• The official launch of the scheme took place on October 3.

What is the PM Internship Scheme?

• The scheme aims to offer internship opportunities to one crore youth in the top 500 companies over the next five years.
• This initiative will provide many young individuals a chance to work in large companies.
• Participants will have the opportunity to learn about various jobs and industries.
• The goal is to enhance the skills and employability of these young people.

Key Details

• Internship Opportunities: The program will provide internships in different areas, helping students to gain hands-on experience and develop their skills.
• Top Companies: The internships will be offered by the top 500 companies in India, which means students will have the chance to work with some of the leading businesses in the country.
• Duration: Each internship will last for 12 months, giving students ample time to learn and make valuable contributions.
• Stipend: Interns will earn a monthly stipend of ₹5,000. This amount includes ₹4,500 from the government and ₹500 from the participating companies.
• Insurance Coverage: Interns will receive insurance coverage through the PM Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana and PM Suraksha Bima Yojana.

Eligibility

• To apply, candidates must be between 21 and 24 years old
• Candidates must have completed high school
• Alternatively, candidates can hold an ITI diploma
• Graduates with degrees such as BA, BSc, BCom, BCA, or BBA are also eligible

Not Eligible

• Candidates must not be full-time employed or enrolled in full-time education (those in online or distance learning programs can apply).
• Graduates from certain institutions such as IITs, IIMs, National Law Universities, IISER, NIDs, or IIITs are not eligible.
• Candidates with advanced qualifications like CA, CMA, CS, MBBS, BDS, MBA, PhD, or any master's degree or higher are not eligible.
• Candidates who are part of any skill training, apprenticeship, internship, or training program under a Central or State Government scheme cannot apply.
• Candidates who have finished an apprenticeship under the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) or National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) are not eligible.
• Candidates whose family income exceeds Rs 8 lakh for the financial year 2023-24 are not eligible.
• Candidates are not eligible if any family member (including self, parents, or spouse) is a permanent or regular government employee (this does not include those on a contract basis). The term government includes both Central and State Governments, Union Territory administrations, Central and State Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), statutory organizations, and local bodies.

Benefits

• Hands-On Experience: Interns will get valuable experience by working in real business settings.
• Financial Assistance: The stipend provided will help interns with their basic living costs during the internship.
• Job Prospects: Gaining this practical experience will boost their chances of getting hired and lead to many future job opportunities.

A Defeat Foretold 

Why in News?

At least 28 Maoists were killed by security forces in a gunfight in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar region.

About Naxalism 

• Naxalism or Left Wing Extremism (LWE) poses a significant threat to India's internal security.
• Regions in India affected by Naxalism are referred to as the 'Red Corridor'.
• The main reason for Naxalism is that Naxalites aim to overthrow the government using violent methods.
• Naxalites express their distrust in democratic processes like voting and instead rely on violence to achieve their goals.
• The Naxal movement began in 1967 with a tribal and peasant uprising against landlords in Naxalbari village, located in the Darjiling district of West Bengal.

• The uprising was led by prominent figures like Charu Majumdar, Kanu Sanyal, and Jangal Santhal.
• In 2004, two major Naxal groups, the Maoist Communist Centre of India (MCCI) and People’s War, came together to create the Communist Party of India (Maoist) (CPI (Maoist)).
• By 2008, most other Naxal groups had joined the CPI (Maoist), which became the main organization for Naxalite groups.
• The CPI (Maoist) and all its associated organizations are listed as banned terrorist groups under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.

Presence of Maoists in India

• The States of Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Orissa, and Bihar are considered severely affected.
• The States of West Bengal, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh are considered partially affected.
• The States of UP and MP are considered slightly affected.
• The CPI(Maoist) are making forays into Southern States of Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.
• They are planning to link up the Western Ghats to the Eastern Ghats through these states.
• They are attempting incursions into Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, which has serious long-term strategic implications.

Causes of Naxalism

• Marginalisation: Naxalites come from various backgrounds, primarily comprising Dalits, Adivasis, and other marginalized groups in society without being tied to a specific religion or community.
• The main concerns are land reforms and economic development. The movement is ideologically influenced by Maoism.
• Support Base of Naxalites: The Naxalite movement finds backing among the landless, sharecroppers, agricultural laborers, Harijans, and tribal communities.
• As long as these groups face exploitation and social justice is denied, the support for the Naxalites will persist.
• Forest Management and Livelihood of Tribals: For tribal people, forests, land, and water are essential for their survival. They have lost access to these resources due to various laws and regulations, leading to increased resentment towards authorities.
• Lack of Development: There is a significant absence of development initiatives, with little to no access to healthcare, drinking water, roads, electricity, and educational opportunities in the regions where Naxalism is prevalent.

How Naxalites Possess a Challenge for Country?

• Vulnerability to External Threats: The Maoist movement reveals India's internal weaknesses, making the country open to outside dangers.
• The CPI (Maoist) maintains close connections with various insurgent groups in the North-East.
• Many of these groups have ties to foreign forces that are against India.
• The CPI (Maoist) has often shown support for terrorist groups in Jammu & Kashmir.
• Impediments to Economic Development: The Maoists focus on poor and marginalized areas in India, where internal order and stability are crucial for the country's economic growth.
• Additional Expenses on Internal Security: The activities of the Naxalites consume valuable resources that should be used for social development instead of defense and internal security.
• Adverse Impact on Governance: In regions controlled by Maoists, there is a lack of governance caused by their violent actions.
• Essential services are disrupted due to acts of killing, kidnapping, intimidation, and extortion carried out by the Maoists.

Government of India’s Approach

• Deployment of CAPFs: Battalions from the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and Naga Battalions are sent to help the State Police in areas affected by Left Wing Extremism (LWE).
• Security Related Expenditure (SRE) Scheme: Money is allocated to cover ongoing costs for insurance, training, and operational needs of security forces. This also includes funds for rehabilitating Left Wing Extremist fighters who surrender and creating awareness against violence through publicity materials.
• Review and Monitoring Mechanisms: The government has set up various review and monitoring systems, with the Ministry of Home Affairs regularly checking the situation at different levels.
• Improving Intelligence Gathering: Steps have been taken to enhance the capabilities of intelligence agencies at both the Central and State levels. This includes sharing intelligence through the Multi-Agency Centre (MAC) and the State Multi-Agency Centre (SMAC) around the clock.
• Better Inter-state Coordination: To foster better coordination between states, the government holds regular meetings and discussions among officials from bordering districts in areas affected by Left Wing Extremism.
• Tackling IED Threats: Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) are a major weapon used by Maoists. The Union Home Ministry has created a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for dealing with explosives, IEDs, and landmines in naxal-affected regions, which has been shared with relevant parties.
• Enhancing Air Support: State Governments and CAPFs have received increased air support, including Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and helicopters, for anti-naxal operations and for evacuating injured individuals.

Way Ahead 

• There is a common belief that the Naxal problem can be effectively addressed through a mix of development and security measures.
• This issue should not be seen solely as a law enforcement matter.
• Often, innocent tribal people living in remote forest areas suffer from Naxal intimidation.
• It is crucial to regain control over regions affected by Naxalism and to support the development of these areas.
• Empowering the marginalized communities in these regions is essential for them to live a safe, respectful, and improved life.
• Notably, due to the actions taken by the Government, the violence related to Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) has greatly reduced in recent years.