Siddaramaiah Unveils ₹10 Crore Rehabilitation Initiative for Maoists
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Synopsis
The Karnataka government, led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, has announced a ₹10 crore rehabilitation package for Maoists. This initiative aims to reintegrate surrendered Maoists into society and enhance security measures in Bengaluru, including increasing police divisions and providing new fire safety equipment.
Key Takeaways
- ₹10 crore rehabilitation package for Maoists announced.
- Karnataka declared naxal-free with the surrender of six underground naxals.
- Police divisions in Bengaluru to increase from 8 to 11.
- Ex-gratia for home guards' families raised to ₹10 lakh.
- New Aerial Ladder Platform vehicle for fire safety.
- Priority on e-bus procurement in 2025-26.
Bengaluru, March 7 (NationPress) The Karnataka government, led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, has revealed a new initiative involving a ₹10 crore rehabilitation package for Maoists. During the presentation of the Budget for the fiscal year 2025-26, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated: "Six underground naxals have surrendered during our administration. Consequently, Karnataka is now declared naxal-free, leading to the disbandment of the anti-naxal force."
The surrendered Maoists will be reintegrated into society, and a special package of ₹10 crore will be established to ensure basic facilities in areas affected by Maoist activities, he explained.
On the topic of bolstering security in Bengaluru, he stated, "To enhance policing in the city, the number of police divisions will rise from 8 to 11. Currently, there are five bomb detection and disposal squads, and we will add four more in Bellary, Davanagere, Mysuru, and Bengaluru Central Zones this year."
The ex-gratia payment for the families of home guards and civil defense volunteers who die in duty or training will increase from ₹5 lakh to ₹10 lakh, he announced.
Siddaramaiah also mentioned, "An Aerial Ladder Platform vehicle, capable of reaching heights of 52-54 meters, will be deployed to mitigate fire hazards in high-rise buildings. The Karnataka State Fire and Emergency Services Department will undergo expansion and modernization with a budget of ₹330 crore from the 15th Finance Commission grants."
Regarding the acquisition of e-buses, CM Siddaramaiah noted, "For the fiscal year 2025-26, we are prioritizing the introduction of e-buses to promote a clean environment, aiming to incorporate 14,750 new electric vehicles under PM e-DRIVE, PM-eBus Sewa, and Externally Aided Projects. Out of these, 9,000 buses will be allocated to BMTC."
