Surrendered Naxalites in the remote Sukma district are receiving vocational training in fields like masonry and agriculture, the government has announced. The Deputy Chief Minister, Vijay Sharma, interacted with these individuals, who greeted him with chants of ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’. The former insurgents shared their experiences, highlighting the positive impact of the government’s rehabilitation program. They emphasized the stark contrast between their past lives within the Naxal movement, marked by disorientation, and their present lives, which offer the stability of mainstream society. Sharma assured them that all essential documentation – including Aadhaar cards, ration cards, and access to social welfare schemes – would be facilitated at the rehabilitation center. He also directed officials to enrich the center’s daily activities and organize exposure visits to major cities like Raipur and Jagdalpur. Moreover, the Deputy CM addressed the need for literacy programs and skill-building initiatives, including recreational activities and avenues for earning a stable income. The Collector, CEO of the Zila Panchayat, and other officials attended the event.
