Chhattisgarh’s Rehabilitation Policy Rekindles Hope

Raipur, December 17
Chhattisgarh government’s sensitive and forward-looking Naxal Rehabilitation Policy is emerging as a strong example of positive change at the grassroots level. Acting on clear directives of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai and under the guidance of Deputy Chief Minister Shri Vijay Sharma, an important initiative was undertaken at the Naxal Rehabilitation Centre in Sukma district to integrate surrendered Maoists into the mainstream.

*Employment-Oriented Mason Kits for 25 Surrendered Youths*
As part of this initiative, 75 surrendered Naxals were provided with state-of-the-art 5G smartphones, while 25 youths received employment-oriented mason (Rajmistri) kits. The programme was conducted under the guidance of Collector Shri Devesh Kumar Dhruv and Superintendent of Police Shri Kiran Chavan.

*Advanced 5G Smartphones for 75 Surrendered Naxals*
During the programme, 75 rehabilitated youths were given Samsung Galaxy M06 5G smartphones, equipped with modern features such as a 50-megapixel dual camera and a 5,000 mAh fast-charging battery. These smartphones will enable the youths to easily access digital education, skill development programmes, government schemes and information from across the country and the world.
In addition, 25 rehabilitated youths were provided with mason kits to encourage employment and self-employment in the construction sector. This initiative is also being seen as significant in creating a skilled workforce for development works, including Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana–Gramin.

*Committed to Creating New Self-Employment Opportunities for Surrendered Individuals*
The district administration stated that Naxal rehabilitation is not being limited to financial assistance alone, but is being linked with self-reliance, dignity and social inclusion. Through 5G smartphones, rehabilitated youths will now be able to understand and adopt online training, modern agricultural techniques, small businesses and new self-employment opportunities. The government remains committed to creating new livelihood opportunities for surrendered Maoists.

*Rehabilitated Youths Share Their Experiences*
Rehabilitated Podium Bhima, a resident of Polampalli, said he had been associated with the organisation as a DVC member for nearly 30 years. After rehabilitation, he is receiving better housing, food and training facilities. He said he has undergone training not only as a mason but also as an electrician and mechanic.
Muchaki Ranvati, a resident of Puvarti, said she remained associated with the Naxal organisation as an ACM member for 24 years. After rehabilitation, she received sewing training and is currently undergoing mason training. She said she got the opportunity to reunite with her family and also won first prize by participating in the divisional-level competition of the Bastar Olympics.

Ganga Vetti, a resident of Dabbamarka in Sukma, expressed happiness, stating that receiving a mobile phone and mason kit from the district administration has boosted her confidence. She said her current life is safer and more dignified compared to life in the jungle. Camps were organised to prepare her Aadhaar card, Ayushman card, ration card and job card, and she is now availing benefits of all government schemes.
This initiative in Sukma stands as proof that the Chhattisgarh government’s policy is not limited merely to countering Naxalism, but also represents a concrete effort to provide misguided youths with a new life built on trust, opportunity and dignity. The model is laying a strong foundation for peace, development and social harmony in Naxal-affected areas.