Centre announces incentives to bring Naxals in mainstream

New Delhi, Sep 8 (ANI): The Union Government has initiated the surrender-cum-rehabilitation policy for Naxals to bring them back into mainstream, as part of its multi-pronged strategy to deal with the Red Ultras.

The overall objective of the policy announced on Monday is to deal with the problem in a holistic manner so that a safe and secure safe environment for development and economic growth is ensured in Naxal-affected states.

The guidelines, which were finalised on August 26, do not clearly say what kind of weapons the Maoists have, but the incentives for Naxalites who surrender with weapons is a clear indication of the security agencies assessment about the capabilities of Maoists.

The list carries details of weapons, which the Maoists have looted from the police during their repeated attacks on patrolling parties, police stations and godowns of public sector mining companies over the years. Such weapons and communication equipment consist of AK-47/56/74 rifles, pistols, revolvers, ammunition of all types, grenades and wireless sets.

An immediate grant of Rs 1.5 lakh, monthly stipends during training and even monetary incentives for surrender of weapons is all there for the asking for the banned Naxals under a surrender-cum-rehabilitation policy.

Persons eligible under the scheme may be imparted training in a trade/vocation of their liking or befitting their aptitude. They shall be paid a monthly stipend of Rs 2,000 each for a maximum period of 36 months.

A amount of Rs. 25,000 will be given for each RPG/Sniper rifle, Rs 3,000 for one Pistol/Revolver, Rs 1,000 for a rocket, Rs 3,000 for a Remote Control Device, Rs 1,000 for IED, Rs 3,000 for one mine, Rs 20,000 for a SAM Missile and Rs 10,000 for a Satellite Phone.

"These guidelines are applicable to those naxalites who surrender with or without arms and the eligibility for assistance under the scheme would be scrutinised by the screening cum rehabilitation committee constituted by the concerned state government," a Home Ministry statement said on Monday.

The surrender-and-rehabilitation guidelines for Maoists will apply to the hardcore, underground cadre, either with or without weapons. The over ground supporters and sympathisers can avail of the benefits under the scheme only in exceptional cases.

Home Minister P. Chidambaram while interacting individually with chief ministers of states affected by Maoist violence last month, called upon them to frame an attractive surrender and rehabilitation policy. (ANI)