State Govt plans rehabilitation for jailed Naxalites n Staff Reporter RAIPUR, Apr 3 The Chhattisgarh Government, which had earlier introduced a rehabilitation policy for active Maoists with the aim of permanently eliminating Left-Wing Extremism from State, is now preparing a similar plan for Maoists currently lodged in jails. The initiative has already shown encouraging results on the ground. Over the past two years, more than 500 Maoists have been neutralised, while around 3,000 cadres have surrendered under the rehabilitation policy. Additionally, nearly 2,000 Maoists have been arrested during this period. The government is now planning to withdraw cases against jailed Maoists who were involved only in minor incidents and facilitate their rehabilitation.

 

Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma earlier stated that the State’s rehabilitation policy is not merely a document on paper or limited to monetary incentives. He said, the policy also includes initiatives such as the Bastar Olympics and Bastar Pandum, aimed at encouraging social reintegration. He further said the government believes that if rehabilitation is possible for Maoists returning from the forests, it can also be extended to those lodged in jails. Maoists who have already surrendered are visiting prisons to meet their relatives and acquaintances and motivate them to join the rehabilitation process. In the next phase, the government plans to release jailed Maoists on parole and bring them to rehabilitation centres, where surrendered cadres will interact with them and encourage them to return to the mainstream. Following this, the government will assist them in securing bail so that they can stay at rehabilitation centres and gradually lead a normal life.