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35 surrendered Naxalites became masons in rehabilitation center

Rehabilitation policy in Sukma became an example due to the initiative of Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai.

Chhattisgarh News: The hands which once held guns, today hold tools. The paths which were once covered with violence and fear are now being laid the foundation of development and trust. In accordance with the sensitive thinking and clear intention of Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Shnu Dev Sai, a new and positive picture of rehabilitation of surrendered Naxalites has emerged in Sukma district. A concrete initiative has been taken towards making 35 surrendered Naxalites living in the rehabilitation center self-reliant by giving them vocational training as masons. This training is being conducted in joint collaboration with the district administration and SBI RSETI. 15 women and 20 men are involved in the training programme. They are being given systematic and step-by-step training in all the necessary technical and practical skills related to building construction—like foundation construction, brick masonry, plaster work, roof casting, quality standards, so that they can work efficiently in any construction work.

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This initiative is not limited to just employment training, rather it is becoming a powerful medium to give a new direction to the lives of dedicated youth. After receiving training, these youth will play an active role in the construction of incomplete and new houses in the district under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Rural). On one hand, this will provide them permanent and respectable employment, while on the other hand, the long standing shortage of skilled masons in Naxal affected and inaccessible areas will also be removed. Calling this initiative an important step towards social change, Collector Devesh Dhruv said that the real meaning of surrender is not just giving up arms, but becoming self-reliant and returning to the mainstream of society with respect. He said that the effort of the district administration is to provide skills, employment and all basic facilities to the youth living in the rehabilitation center, so that they can live life with dignity. Chief Executive Officer of District Panchayat, Shri Mukund Thakur said that skilled human resources are very important for the successful implementation of various government construction works including Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Rural. This training will connect the surrendered youth with employment and social concerns.

Rehabilitated Podiyam Bheema, a resident of Polampalli, says that he was associated with the organization for almost 30 years, but after the surrender, his life has completely changed. “There are good arrangements for accommodation and food here. We are being given training as masons. Earlier we also got training as electrician mechanics. Now I will be able to work with respect. Muchaki Ranvati, a former resident, says that she has been associated with the organization for 24 years. After rehabilitation, I got training in tailoring. Now we are being given training as masons. We were able to meet our family, participated in the Bastar Olympics and also won the first prize. Full benefit of the government’s schemes. Ganga Vetti, a resident of Dabbamarka, said that after the rehabilitation, the district administration has given him Aadhaar card, Ayushman card and job card.

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Regarding this initiative, Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai said that the Chhattisgarh government is committed to establishing lasting peace in Naxal affected areas through dialogue, compassion and development. The basic objective of the rehabilitation policy of the state is to connect the surrendered youth with the mainstream of the society by providing them skills, employment and respect. This ongoing effort in Sukma district to connect the surrendered youth with employment-oriented work is proof that through sensitive administration, trust and developmental schemes, the youth who have strayed on the path of violence can be given a new identity and a better future. This is the real success of rehabilitation and this is the strong foundation of lasting peace.