Topic – Framing a law for domestic workers
Q1. “Despite their indispensable role in India’s care economy, domestic workers remain one of the least protected segments of the labour force. There is an urgent need for a comprehensive national legislation to safeguard their rights and welfare.” Discuss the need, challenges, and possible framework for a law to protect domestic workers in India. (15 marks, 250 words)
| UPSC Syllabus | Inclusive and gender-just labour reform |
| Why was this question asked? | Do government’s schemes for up-lifting vulnerable and backward communities by protecting required social resources for them, lead to their exclusion in establishing businesses in urban economics? (2014) |
| Introduction | India’s care economy relies heavily on domestic workers—estimated at 4–9 crore individuals, as per the National Sample Survey (NSSO 68th Round, 2011–12) and ILO estimates (2013). Yet, they remain largely outside formal labour protections. The Supreme Court’s 2025 directive urging the Union Government to frame a law for domestic workers underscores an urgent need for legislative intervention in line with the Directive Principles of State Policy (Articles 38, 39, and 43). |
| Body | Present Status and Vulnerabilities
Judicial and International Context
Lessons from State-Level Initiatives
Need for a Comprehensive Central Law
Way Forward and Policy Recommendations
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| Conclusion | Domestic workers remain the invisible workforce of India’s urban economy. Enacting a comprehensive central law would not only uphold the constitutional promise of dignity of labour but also fulfill India’s global obligations under ILO frameworks. Empowering these workers with legal rights, social security, and grievance redressal will mark a decisive step toward inclusive and gender-just labour reform. |
Topic – Maoism and Left-wing extremism
Q 2. “The record number of surrenders, arrests, and fatalities in 2025 indicates that Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) has entered a phase of terminal decline. Discuss the multi-dimensional factors responsible for this and highlight the challenges that remain.” (15 marks, 250 words)
| Introduction | The Maoist movement in India traces its ideological roots to the Naxalbari uprising of 1967 in West Bengal, inspired by Mao Zedong’s doctrine of protracted people’s war and armed struggle against feudal exploitation and State authority. Over the decades, multiple factions united under the Communist Party of India (Maoist) in 2004, forming an armed insurgency across the “Red Corridor” covering central and eastern India.
At its peak, Maoism affected 175 districts in 10 States and was termed India’s “single biggest internal security threat” by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in 2006. However, by 2025, the movement has been reduced to 11 districts, with MHA data showing 1,849 surrenders, 836 arrests, and 333 fatalities—a historic low resulting from combined security, developmental, and rehabilitative efforts. |
| Body |
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| Conclusion | The decline of Maoism illustrates the success of India’s multi-pronged strategy combining force, intelligence, and development. The inclusion of surrendered cadres in the security and governance framework represents a turning point from confrontation to reconciliation. To secure lasting stability, India must consolidate this tactical success through justice, rights, and inclusive growth—ensuring that the guns of Maoism are replaced by the voices of empowerment and democratic participation. |
| UPSC Syllabus | Maoism and Left-wing extremism |
| Why was this question asked? | Q. Left Wing Extremism (LWE) is showing a downward trend, but still affects many parts of the country. Briefly explain the Government of India’s approach to counter the challenges posed by LWE. [2018] |
| Introduction | The Maoist movement in India traces its ideological roots to the Naxalbari uprising of 1967 in West Bengal, inspired by Mao Zedong’s doctrine of protracted people’s war and armed struggle against feudal exploitation and State authority. Over the decades, multiple factions united under the Communist Party of India (Maoist) in 2004, forming an armed insurgency across the “Red Corridor” covering central and eastern India. At its peak, Maoism affected 175 districts in 10 States and was termed India’s “single biggest internal security threat” by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in 2006. However, by 2025, the movement has been reduced to 11 districts, with MHA data showing 1,849 surrenders, 836 arrests, and 333 fatalities—a historic low resulting from combined security, developmental, and rehabilitative efforts. |
| Body | Strategic Shrinkage of the Conflict Zone
Role of Specialised Forces and Defence Support
Intelligence and Technological Integration
Developmental and Rehabilitation Measures
Socio-Political Factors Behind Decline
Role and Reintegration of Surrendered Maoists
Remaining Challenges and the Way Forward
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| Conclusion | The decline of Maoism illustrates the success of India’s multi-pronged strategy combining force, intelligence, and development. The inclusion of surrendered cadres in the security and governance framework represents a turning point from confrontation to reconciliation.
To secure lasting stability, India must consolidate this tactical success through justice, rights, and inclusive growth—ensuring that the guns of Maoism are replaced by the voices of empowerment and democratic participation. |