Skills like woodcraft, tailoring, electrician are being taught to the surrendered Naxalites at Chaugel Rehabilitation Center in Kanker district. After training, they are also being given employment, due to which they are able to return to the mainstream and lead a self-reliant life.
Raipur. The same hands which once picked up guns and adopted the path of violence, are today creating a new identity with their skills. The surrendered Naxalites are now making name plates, logo of Chhattisgarh government, gram panchayat board, key rings and decorative items through wood art in the rehabilitation center located at village Chaugel near Bhanupratappur in Kanker district. Along with this, cloth bags and office use bags are also being prepared.
Skills training is changing lives: Impact of rehabilitation policy
Under the Naxal rehabilitation policy of the government, under the guidance of Collector Nileshkumar Mahadev Kshirsagar, the district administration Kanker is trying to make these youth skilled and self-reliant. Apart from woodcraft, training like electrician, driving, tailoring and mason is being given here. The youth who were earlier involved in Naxalite activities are now returning to the mainstream by learning different professions and moving towards living a respectable life.
Chaugel Camp becomes Skill Development Centre: Bastar Development Model
Bastar division, which was once affected by Naxal violence, is now moving towards rapid development. Steps have been taken by the government towards Naxal-free Bastar. Chaugel (Mulla) Camp near Bhanupratappur, which was earlier a BSF camp, has now become a skills training centre. Here 40 surrendered Maoists are being trained in various trades.
Complete facilities for education, health and entertainment
Along with training, special attention is also being given to education in this rehabilitation center. Books, copies, pens and pencils have been provided to the participants and teachers have been arranged to teach. The health department team conducts regular checkups and also gives medicines as per need. Apart from this, means of entertainment like carrom, sports and musical instruments have also been made available.
Kanker becomes the first district to be linked with employment
Kanker district has now become the first district to provide employment after training. The Collector handed over appointment letters for jobs in private companies to three Naxal victims and a surrendered Naxalite. These include Saganuram Anchala, Roshan Netam, Birsingh Mandavi and Sanjay Netam. All of them will get a salary of Rs 15 thousand per month along with other facilities. All of them have taken training as Assistant Electricians in Chaugel Camp.
Returning to the mainstream: Confidence increased through employment
These youth expressed happiness after getting jobs in the private sector. Birsingh Mandavi told that Chaugel Camp has given him a new life. Here he got free training and now he is also getting employment.
New story of change in Naxal affected area
This model of Kanker shows that through proper guidance and government schemes, youth who have left violence can be made self-reliant. Now this initiative is not only bringing change in their lives but is also giving the message of development and peace to the entire Bastar region.