Bhubaneswar: To eradicate Left-wing extremism in Odisha, the state government has significantly enhanced financial assistance under its Maoist surrender and rehabilitation policy.
Rewards for surrendered firearms have also been increased, along with benefits under various welfare schemes.
“The objective of the surrender and rehabilitation policy is to contain and eradicate left wing extremism in the State by weaning away the hardcore LWE cadres. The policy also aims at ensuring that Naxalites, who surrender, do not revert to extremism by providing them with gainful employment and entrepreneurial opportunities,” the notification issued by the Home Department said.
The initiative classifies surrendered cadres into two categories based on rank. The high-ranking officials like central committee secretaries, central military commission chiefs, politburo members, central committee members, state committee members or equivalent rank, special zonal committee members, and regional committee members, falling under Category A, will now receiving up to Rs 5 lakh from the earlier ceiling of Rs 2.5 lakh.
Of this amount, Rs 50,000 will be given immediately in cash, while the remaining amount will be deposited in fixed deposits. The deposited amount will be released in tranches, Rs 50,000 after one year and Rs 4 lakh after three years, subject to satisfactory conduct certified by district police authorities
An aid of Rs 2.5 lakh aid will be provided to category B cadres, including divisional committee members, local guerrilla squad commanders, and party members, under similar disbursement terms.
The policy has also substantially increased rewards for surrendered weapons – light machine gun (Rs 4.95 lakh), AK-47 rifle (Rs 3.3 lakh from Rs 10,000 earlier), SLR/Insas rifle (Rs 1.65 lakh from earlier Rs 10,000), and .303 rifle (Rs 82,500 from earlier Rs 5,000).
Beyond financial incentives, the rehabilitation package includes provisions for housing under the Antyodaya Gruha Yojana, a one-time marriage incentive of Rs 25,000 and health cards and free rations under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana. Surrendered cadres will be enrolled free of cost in short-term training programme and may pursue vocational education in ITIs or polytechnics.
A monthly stipend of Rs 10,000 will be provided for up to 36 months, discontinued only upon securing government employment or gainful self-employment.
Additionally, Maoists carrying a reward of Rs 5 lakh or more will receive an additional lump sum of Rs 10 lakh upon surrender. “This amount will be deposited as a fixed deposit in any bank by the district SP in the name of the surrendered Maoist, and the interest amount received from it will be given to them,” the revised policy said.
“After a period of three years from the date of fixed deposit, this amount will be given in lump sum to the surrendered naxalite, subject to satisfactory behaviour and conduct of the surrendered naxal, to be decided by the Surrender and Rehabilitation Committee on the recommendation of district SP,” it further stated.
Married couples surrendering together will be treated as separate units, ensuring both receive full rehabilitation benefits. “Trials for heinous crimes committed by surrendered Maoists will continue in court. However, the government may consider withdrawal of prosecution on a case-to-case basis, depending on antecedents and merits. For minor offences, plea bargaining may be permitted at the govt’s discretion. Free legal aid could also be extended to surrendered Left-wing extremist (LWE) cadres,” the policy read.
To be eligible, surrenderees, however, will have to fulfil stringent criteria including revealing the identities of associates, disclosing details about financiers and supply chains, confessing to criminal acts, and making a public statement of voluntary surrender through media.
While thanking the state government, DGP Y B Khurania said that the policy, aimed at encouraging Maoists to abandon violence and join the mainstream, is among the best in the country.
According to state home department officials, currently about 80 to 85 operatives are active in Odisha.
