Chhattisgarh govt disburses Rs 6.6 crore incentives to 66 surrendered Maoists

Raipur, Aug 5 (IANS) Under the Chhattisgarh government’s progressive rehabilitation policy, the Maoists who surrender by laying down their arms and returning to the mainstream are entitled to immediate cash assistance along with a monthly honorarium of Rs 10,000 for a period of 36 months.

They also receive additional incentives and rewards for providing information related to heavy weapons or explosives.

In a significant move under the strong leadership of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, the state government on Wednesday approved the disbursement of a total incentive amount of Rs 6.60 crore to 66 surrendered Maoists who earlier carried rewards of Rs 5 lakh or more on their heads.

This decision has been taken in accordance with the ‘Naxalite Surrender/Victim Relief and Rehabilitation Policy 2025’.

The policy specifically provides for a lump-sum incentive to those surrendered Maoists who are not absorbed into government employment.

Among the beneficiaries from Bijapur district are Lachhu Farsa, who will receive Rs 5 lakh; Mitki Kakem (alias Sarita), Seenu Padam (alias Chinna) and Lakshmi Madvi (alias Khuto), each entitled to Rs 8 lakh; and Sushila Hemla (alias Bujji/Vimla Hemla), who will get Rs 5 lakh.

The state’s rehabilitation framework is designed to facilitate the smooth integration of former Maoists into the social mainstream by encouraging them to permanently abandon the path of violence.

By offering sustained financial support, the policy seeks to enable these individuals to lead a dignified and productive life while contributing positively to society.

This large-scale disbursement of incentives as an important step towards fostering lasting peace, accelerating development and strengthening rehabilitation efforts in Maoist-affected regions of Chhattisgarh.

The initiative is a constructive approach and strategy of the state government’s dual approach of firm action against violence combined with a humane and structured pathway for those willing to renounce extremism and rejoin the mainstream.

Chhattisgarh has already been declared Maoist-free state in March this year.

–IANS

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