Content:
- PM-WANI Scheme
- DECLINE IN NAXALIST ACTIVITIES
PM-WANI Scheme
Overview of PM-WANI Scheme
The Prime Minister’s Wi-Fi Access Network Interface (PM-WANI) is an initiative aimed at boosting internet penetration through public Wi-Fi hotspots across India. By enabling a decentralized and market–driven approach, PM-WANI enhances digital connectivity, particularly in underserved rural and semi-urban areas.
Relevance : GS 2(Governance) , GS 3(Technology)
Components of PM-WANI Framework
- Public Data Offices (PDOs): Small businesses or shop owners who install and operate Wi-Fi hotspots to provide internet access.
- Public Data Office Aggregators (PDOAs): Entities that manage multiple PDOs and facilitate internet services without requiring an ISP license.
- App Providers: Develop applications that enable users to discover and access PM-WANI hotspots.
- Central Registry: Maintained by the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) to register all stakeholders.
Current Status and Implementation
- As of March 20, 2025, India has 2,78,439 PM-WANI hotspots operational nationwide.
- PM-WANI-compliant Wi-Fi hardware is readily available and also supplied by C-DOT’s ToT (Transfer of Technology) partners.
- It follows an unlicensed model, removing bureaucratic barriers and fostering entrepreneurship.
Preceding Developments & Related Policies
Historical Digital Connectivity Policies
- BharatNet (2011): Aimed at connecting Gram Panchayats via fiber-optic networks. PM-WANI leverages BharatNet’s infrastructure for last-mile connectivity.
- Digital India (2015): Strengthened broadband access and digital literacy, laying the groundwork for PM-WANI.
- National Digital Communications Policy (2018): Set targets for internet penetration and public Wi-Fi expansion.
Policy & Regulatory Framework
- Liberalized Licensing: PM-WANI removes the need for PDOs to get an ISP license, reducing compliance costs.
- C-DOT’s Role: As a government body, it provides technical support and helps in maintaining interoperability between different vendors.
Impact & Future Prospects
Socio-Economic Impact
- Boost to Digital Inclusion: Enhances internet access, particularly in rural India, reducing the digital divide.
- Employment Generation: Small businesses can set up PDOs with minimal investment, fostering micro-entrepreneurship.
- E-Governance & Online Services: Supports initiatives like DigiLocker, telemedicine, online education, and UPI payments.
Future Expansion & Challenges
- Integration with 5G Networks: PM-WANI hotspots can complement 5G rollouts by offloading mobile data traffic.
- Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): Encouraging private investments for scaling infrastructure.
- Cybersecurity & Privacy Concerns: The government needs to strengthen data protection mechanisms for secure public Wi-Fi usage.
Conclusion
PM-WANI represents a transformative step in India’s digital connectivity journey. By leveraging existing telecom infrastructure and reducing regulatory hurdles, it has the potential to bring millions of Indians online, boost the digital economy, and enhance socio-economic development. However, its long-term success depends on sustained government support, private sector participation, and cybersecurity measures.
DECLINE IN NAXALIST ACTIVITIES
Evolution of Left-Wing Extremism (LWE)
- Origins: The Naxalite movement began in 1967 in Naxalbari, West Bengal, as a peasant uprising led by Charu Majumdar and Kanu Sanyal, inspired by Maoist ideology.
- Expansion: Over the decades, LWE spread to the “Red Corridor,” covering parts of Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Bihar, Odisha, Maharashtra, and Telangana.
- Peak Activity: Violence peaked in 2010 with 1,936 violent incidents and 1,005 deaths.
Relevance : GS 3(Internal Security )
Government Strategy: National Policy and Action Plan (2015)
- Multi-Pronged Approach: Security measures, developmental initiatives, and ensuring rights of tribal communities.
- Impact: 81% decline in violence (2010–2024) and 85% reduction in casualties.
Security Interventions
- Decline in Affected Districts: Reduced from 126 districts in 2010 to 38 in 2024.
- Capacity Building:
- Deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs).
- Training and modernization of state police.
- Construction of Fortified Police Stations (FPSs) (626 constructed).
- Special Intelligence Branches (SIBs) for intelligence gathering.
- Security Related Expenditure (SRE) Scheme: ₹3,260.37 crore disbursed (2014-25).
- Special Infrastructure Scheme (SIS): ₹1,741 crore allocated.
Developmental Interventions
- Infrastructure Expansion:
- Road Connectivity: 14,618 km of roads constructed.
- Telecommunication: 7,768 mobile towers installed.
- Skill Development and Education:
- 46 ITIs & 49 Skill Development Centres (SDCs) operational.
- 178 Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs) for tribal children.
- Financial Inclusion:
- 5,731 Post Offices with banking services.
- 1,007 Bank Branches & 937 ATMs opened.
- 37,850 Banking Correspondents deployed.
State-Wise Trends (2019–2024)
- Reduction in Violence: Overall decline from 501 incidents in 2019 to 374 in 2024.
- Key Observations:
- Chhattisgarh remains the hotspot with the highest number of incidents (267 in 2024).
- Significant improvement in Jharkhand, reducing from 166 incidents (2019) to 69 (2024).
- Marginal presence in Kerala, Telangana, Maharashtra, Odisha.
Challenges and Forward Linkages
- Challenges:
- Resurgence in 2022-23 due to intensified counter-operations.
- Remaining strongholds in Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand.
- Root Causes Persist: Land alienation, lack of employment, governance deficit in tribal regions.
- Future Strategies:
- Deeper penetration of governance in LWE areas.
- Enhanced community policing and intelligence-based operations.
- Strengthening development schemes with local participation.
- Ensuring political representation and democratic engagement.
Impact on Governance and Internal Security
- Improved Law & Order: Reduced LWE activity enables better governance.
- Increased Investment Potential: Infrastructure development encourages private sector participation.
- Enhanced Tribal Welfare: Government schemes directly impact marginalized communities.
