Bhubaneswar: With an aim to eliminate left wing extremism (LWE) in the state by encouraging cadres to return to the mainstream, the Odisha government has revised its Maoist surrender and rehabilitation policy with hiked financial incentives.
The fresh initiative marks the second modification to the policy in the past two months. Under the revised policy, Maoists from other states will now be allowed to surrender in Odisha and avail benefits under the state’s rehabilitation and resettlement scheme.
A fresh notification has been issued by the Home Department with details of the updated provisions.
As per the new provisions, surrendered Maoists will receive rehabilitation benefits within 60 days of laying down arms. The scheme will apply to Maoists currently active in Odisha. A special rehabilitation package will be offered to Odisha-cadre Maoists.
The revised policy seeks to expedite the reintegration process and offering structured support to former insurgents willing to renounce violence.
As the government has significantly increased the financial assistance linked to surrender and members of the central committee or politburo will be eligible for benefits up to Rs 1.10 crore. Similarly, state committee members will receive up to Rs 55 lakh, and regional committee members will be entitled to Rs 33 lakh.
As per sources, Maoists carrying a bounty of more than Rs 5 lakh will also be eligible for an additional fixed deposit of Rs 10 lakh under the scheme.
The revised package also provides specific incentives for surrendering with arms and ammunition. While Rs 4.95 lakh has been fixed for a Light Machine Gun (LMG), Rs 3.30 lakh will be given for an AK-47 rifle, Rs 1.65 lakh for an INSAS or SLR rifle, Rs 550 per grenade, and Rs 55 per bullet. Those surrendering without weapons will receive additional assistance of Rs 25,000.
