Finance
The Odisha government has proposed an increase in the surrender package for Maoists in an effort to wean misguided youths who have joined the Communist Party of India (Maoist) and its frontal groups, bring them back into the mainstream, and rehabilitate them.
The package includes financial incentives based on the type of weapon turned in and the rank of the Maoist cadre.
The government has set the following incentives for Maoists who surrender with weapons: Rs 4.95 lakh for a light machine gun, Rs 3.30 lakh for an AK-47 rifle, and Rs 1.65 lakh for an SLR rifle. Maoists carrying a reward of Rs 10 lakh will receive an additional Rs 5 lakh upon surrender.
Besides, the rank-based incentives are as follows: Politburo and Central Committee members will receive Rs 1.10 crore, State Committee and Special Zonal Committee members will get Rs 55 lakh, Regional Committee members will get Rs 33 lakh, Divisional Committee members will receive Rs 27.5 lakh, and lower-ranked Divisional Committee members will get Rs 22 lakh. The government will also withdraw minor cases registered against surrendered Maoists.
The Odisha government, in line with the central government’s efforts, aims to rehabilitate Maoists and reintegrate them into society through this initiative.
“Irrespective of a naxalite surrendering without weapons or with weapons, Rs 25,000/- incentive amount will be provided. This amount will be in addition to the compensation amount in exchange of the surrendered weapon”, read the notification issued by the Home Department of the Odisha Government.
“Active surrendered naxalites carrying a reward of Rs. 5.00 lakhs or more will be given an additional lump sum amount of Rs. 10.00 lakh. This amount will be deposited as a fixed deposit in any bank of the district S.P in the name of the surrendered naxalite and the interest amount received from it will be given to them”, read the notification.
