When the challenges of Naxalism, armed insurgency and separatist movements are affecting development dynamics in many parts of India, a transparent and decentralised implementation of government policies and schemes can bring in much needed change in growth trajectory, and thereby paving way for an alternative solution to combat insurgency. If we look at the issues affecting sustainable development in the states of Northeast, insurgency in the forms of identity and separatist armed struggle emerge as a major cause of instability. When the genesis of majority of these movements are rooted in prolonged underdevelopment, unemployment and a sense of negligence from the government, the onset of these movements have further aggravated the situation by driving the energy and resources towards combating terrorism. In this tussle of power between the administration and insurgents, the welfare of the community is at stake. Apart from delaying development, the counter insurgency measures adopted by the government is perceived to be in violation of human rights in the region, further distancing the faith of the people in administration.

In this perturbing scenario, implementation of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) in a Naxal affected district of Madhya Pradesh has emerged as a unique solution to counter the feeling of alienation and developmental stagnation. Balaghat district of Madhya Pradesh is one of the 33 Naxal affected districts of India, where until a few years ago service delivery mechanisms were extremely poor. Overall lack of administrative pursuit of development efforts and the absence of trust in the government by the local community were the main reasons for strong Naxal influence in the region.

In 2006, the district administration of Balaghat designed a community driven approach for implementing MGNREGS to create employment opportunities. The programme, however, went beyond the creation of wage employment and managed to wean off the local community from the influence of Naxals.  The district administration with the help of pachayats undertook People’s Perception Management strategy through which meetings were organised to facilitate government interaction with the community. The locals shared their aspirations, problems and expectations with the officials which brought about new opportunities for both parties.  MGNREGS brought in the desired fund for catalysing development initiatives in priority areas identified by the local community, including agricultural irrigation, road connectivity, health, and education. Through integration of various schemes with MGNREGS, overall infrastructure and assets were created for stimulating inclusive development. All the funds were allocated according to the priority areas identified by the community and were closely monitored by the Gram Sabhas through social audits.

With the implementation of the Annual Employment Cycle in convergence with various existing schemes in the district, those seeking work could be employed throughout the year in their own village in a fixed wage rate. This massively relived the villagers of the fear of distressed migration. Poor road connection, which earlier made Balaghat a safe haven for the Naxalites, was drastically improved that allowed people to access and explore new markets for their agriculture and forest products. Education and health opportunities were also enhanced subsequently. In this ardent exercise 13 government departments including PWD, revenue, police, health, tribal development and electricity departments worked closely with the district administration.  As the development scenario paved way for a new beginning the influence and attraction of Naxalism diminished among the local youth. It was reflected accurately in decreased number of Naxal attacks from 21 in 2005 to none in 2009.

This case of Madhya Pradesh is a strong indication that effective implementation of government programmes with a clear people-centric attitude and policy can bring in a paradigm shift to a conflict area’s development dynamics. When the benefits of welfare schemes permeate to every section of the society, the need as well as desire of the people to oppose government through anti social activity automatically ceases to exist. If the experience of Balaghat is replicated in all the conflict affected regions of the country a more sustainable solution can be achieved towards ensuring distributive justice and decentralised democracy.