In a fresh bid to eradicate Naxalism, the Chhattisgarh government has announced a series of substantial incentives for village panchayats that declare themselves 'Naxal-free' which includes mobile phone network connectivity, electricity, and Rs one cr for development works.
Additionally, the state government announced initiatives in the rehabilitation policy cleared by the cabinet aimed at encouraging Naxalites to surrender and reintegrate into mainstream society.
The announcement by Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma comes a day after security forces killed 30 Naxals in two separate encounters in the Bastar region, highlighting the government's intensified zero-tolerance approach.
The government announced that it will launch "Elvad Panchayat Abhiyan," under which panchayats facilitating surrenders and declaring themselves Maoist-free will receive the incentives.
"Village panchayats that facilitate the surrender of Naxalites and declare themselves free from the menace will be sanctioned construction works of Rs One crore, mobile phone network, and electricity," Sharma, who also holds Home portfolio, told reporters.
The recently approved Chhattisgarh Naxal Surrender and Victim Relief and Rehabilitation Policy-2025 offers comprehensive support to surrendered Naxals, including free accommodation, food for three years, and monthly financial assistance of Rs 10,000.
"Naxalites who have laid down arms will be provided skill development training, land, and houses under the PM housing scheme.
Many other provisions, including financial aid, have been included in the new policy," Sharma said, adding the implementation of the new policy will encourage more Naxals to lay down arms and join the mainstream.
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Furthermore, the rehabilitation policy extends to victims of Naxal violence, offering financial aid, land, and other forms of support to those displaced by Maoist threats.
In a tribute to fallen security personnel, the government has allocated Rs 10 crore through the Panchayat Department for the "Veer Balidani scheme," which will fund the installation of statues of security personnel killed in their native villages.
An initial phase will see 500-600 statues erected, fulfilling a long-pending demand from the families of the deceased. Sharma also lauded the security forces for their successful operations in Bijapur and Kanker districts.
While 26 Naxalites were killed in Bijapur district, four Maoists were gunned down in Kanker by separate joint teams of security personnel. A police jawan was also killed in the encounter in Bijapur.
The Deputy Chief Minister also highlighted the government's efforts to improve connectivity and infrastructure in Naxal-affected areas.
Also Read: DRG jawan martyred, 30 Naxals killed in Chhattisgarh
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