Kumar Bahukhandi
In Short
- The Future of Surrendered Maoists Brightens Through Livelihood-Generating Activities
- Maoists Who Have Returned to the Mainstream Also Place Special Emphasis on Education
Raipur: The very hands that once wielded guns and embraced the path of violence are now demonstrating their artistic prowess. At the rehabilitation center in Chogel village, near Bhanupratappur, surrendered Naxalites who have undergone training are showcasing their skills by crafting wooden nameplates, the official logo of the Chhattisgarh government, signboards for Gram Panchayats, keychains for children, and various other decorative items.
Additionally, they are producing cloth bags and office satchels. Under the Naxal Rehabilitation Policy announced by the government—and under the guidance of Collector Nileshkumar Mahadev Kshirsagar—the Kanker District Administration is making a concerted effort to transform surrendered Naxalites into skilled and proficient individuals. Here, alongside training in woodcraft, they are receiving instruction in trades such as electrical work, driving, tailoring, and masonry. Young men and women who were once involved in Naxalite activities are now becoming proficient in various trades, enabling them to engage in livelihood-generating activities and lead a dignified life after reintegrating into the social mainstream.
Chogel Camp Transformed into a Skill Training Center
The Bastar division, which for years endured the scourge of violence under the shadow of “Red Terror,” is now marching forward toward development.
The government has officially declared Bastar a “Naxal-free” zone. The government is providing skill development training to those Naxalites who have renounced the path of violence and returned to the mainstream, thereby enabling them to lead a life of dignity.
Under the Rehabilitation Policy of 2025, surrendered Naxalites are receiving training in various creative and employment-oriented activities at the Chogel (Mulla) camp, located near the Bhanupratappur development block. This Chogel (Mulla) camp—which once served as a BSF outpost—has now transformed into a hub for imparting vocational skills.
Here, the district administration is providing training in various trades—such as carpentry, electrical work, tailoring, driving, and masonry—to 40 surrendered Maoists who have returned to the mainstream. Simultaneously, special attention is being paid to their education; study materials, books, pens, and pencils have been provided, and qualified teachers have been arranged to instruct them.
A team from the Health Department conducts regular medical check-ups for the surrendered Naxalites and provides medication as needed. Recreational activities—including carrom, musical sessions, and various sports—are also organised within the camp.
At the Chogel Rehabilitation Center, training has already been imparted in masonry, electrical work, and vehicle driving, while horse-riding training was provided in Kanker itself. Currently, training is being offered in tailoring (sewing machine operation), carpentry, and assistant electrical work. To empower them for self-employment, a one-day workshop was organized in collaboration with the Departments of Agriculture, Fisheries, Horticulture, and Livestock Development, as well as the ‘Bihan’ initiative.
Kanker Becomes the First District to Provide Employment Post-Training
Kanker has become the first district to successfully link Naxal victims and surrendered Naxalites with employment opportunities following their training at a rehabilitation center. Collector Nileshkumar Mahadev Kshirsagar personally handed over appointment letters for jobs in the private sector to three Naxal victims and one surrendered Naxalite.
The recipients included the rehabilitated Sagnuram Anchala, along with Naxal victims Roshan Netam, Bir Singh Mandavi, and Sanjay Netam. All of them received appointment letters from a private firm, where they will receive a monthly remuneration of ₹15,000, along with other financial benefits.
These individuals had completed their training as Assistant Electricians at the Chogel Camp and have now been successfully placed in the private sector. North Bastar (Kanker) stands as the first district to provide employment opportunities to individuals who have returned to the mainstream following their rehabilitation training.
Expressing his happiness upon securing a job in the private sector, Birsingh Mandavi—a victim of Maoist violence—stated that he has found a new lease on life at the camp in the village of Mulla (Chaugel).
He noted that not only was he rendered skilled and proficient through free training provided at the camp, but the district administration is also facilitating employment opportunities for the trainees following the completion of their training.
