Chhattisgarh Government Unveils Benefits for Villages Free from Maoist Influence
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Synopsis
In March, the Chhattisgarh government announced a range of incentives for villages declared free from Maoist influence, including a development fund of Rs one crore, access to electricity, and mobile tower installations, aiming to eradicate Maoism in the region.
Key Takeaways
- Villages free from Maoist influence receive Rs one crore for development.
- Access to electricity and mobile towers will be provided.
- Surrendering Maoists can earn double rewards.
- New policy approved for collective surrender of Maoists.
- Statues for martyrs funded through Veer Balidani Yojana.
Bhopal, March (NationPress) In the aftermath of successful anti-Maoist operations, the Chhattisgarh government has introduced multiple incentives, announcing that villages recognized as free from Maoist influence will receive a development fund of Rs one crore.
Additionally, these villages will benefit from electricity access and the installation of mobile towers.
"If a Maoist chooses to surrender, the reward will be increased," stated the state’s Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Vijay Sharma during a televised address.
The administration is making concerted efforts to eliminate the threat of Maoism in Chhattisgarh, he emphasized.
Through the 'Elvad Panchayat Abhiyan,' Sharma noted that the Gram Panchayat will actively encourage Maoists to surrender, with government support for this initiative. Villages achieving Maoist-free status will be awarded a certificate recognizing their new-found freedom.
Furthermore, the Deputy Chief Minister disclosed that the cabinet has ratified a policy regarding the surrender of Maoists. If they surrender collectively, the reward will be amplified. The concerns of martyr families will be addressed by the Inspector General of the Range.
Under the newly launched 'Veer Balidani Yojana,' Rs 10 crore has been earmarked for erecting statues to honor the martyrs.
Reflecting on Thursday’s comprehensive anti-Maoist operation, the Deputy Chief Minister confirmed that 26 Maoist remains were retrieved from the Gangaloor area of Bijapur district, with four others neutralized in the Kanker and Narayanpur regions. In total, 30 Maoists were eliminated in two distinct operations.
He remarked that the soldiers had achieved a significant victory. As a result of the ongoing success against Maoism, locals now travel without fear, including a direct route from Bijapur to Pamed, avoiding a lengthy 200 km detour through Telangana.
A bus service to Pamed, which had been suspended for 25 years, resumed on March 2, linking seven panchayats, including the remote Pamed. This village, once only reachable via Telangana, is now directly connected to the Bijapur headquarters, stated the Deputy CM.
These developments are part of a broader initiative focusing on development and security under the Niyyad Nellanar scheme. A weekly market, closed for three decades due to Maoist threats in Garpa village of Abujhmarh in Narayanpur district, has reopened, bustling with local families who were previously displaced and have now returned. Services have begun in Kondapalli, and over 570 mobile towers have been installed, as reported by the Deputy Chief Minister.
