Surrendered Maoists are being given training in skills like driving, tailoring, woodcraft and electrician at Chaugel Camp in Bastar. Under the Naxal Rehabilitation Policy, they are being brought into the mainstream of the society by providing them education, health and employment opportunities.
Raipur. If there is a passion in the mind to do something then even the difficult paths of life become easy. This has been proved by the surrendered Maoists. Efforts are being made to make those hands who were earlier on the path of violence efficient and self-reliant under the Naxal rehabilitation policy of the state. According to the intention of the government, they are being given a new direction to lead a respectable life by training them in village Chaugel (Mullah) camp.
Skill Development Training: Training of livelihood based skills
Young men and women who were earlier involved in Maoist activities are now being given continuous training in various trades like driving, tailoring, woodcraft, assistant electrician. Its objective is that after returning to the mainstream of the society, they can join employment and become self-reliant and live a respectable life.
Bastar division- new center of skill development
Bastar division, which was affected by Naxal violence for years, is now slowly moving towards development. The central and state governments are also focusing on rehabilitation along with freedom from Maoism. The BSF camp located at village Chaugel (Mulla) of Bhanupratappur development block has now developed into ‘Kaushalgarh’, where 40 surrendered Maoists are being trained in different courses. They are also being given education from class 1 to 8 as per their need, so that their future can be strengthened through both education and skills. They are being made skilled by training them in batches of 20 each.
Life changing through training
Manher Taram, 40, who is learning driving, said that he has been taking training in driving a four-wheeler for the last two weeks. Trainers are teaching them the correct use of steering controls, clutch, brakes and accelerator. He said that the dream of learning driving is now being fulfilled.
Similarly, Narsingh Netam is also moving towards improving his future by taking driving training. 19-year-old Sukdu Padda has been trying to get involved in livelihood activities by taking training for the last three months, even though he was illiterate earlier. 19 year old Kajal Vedda told that she was fond of learning tailoring since childhood, which is now being fulfilled. Besides, they are also receiving primary education.
Health, education and recreational facilities
Other participants living in the camp like Jagdev Komara, Raju Nuruti, Birsingh Mandavi, Mainu Negi, Sanu Gawde, Manki Netam, Samko Nuruti, Ungi Korram, Ramoti Kawachi, Manker Hupendi and others are taking training in different trades as per their interest. The health department team conducts regular health checkups and necessary medicines are provided. Apart from this, entertainment activities like carrom, sports and music are also organized.
Self employment and new opportunities
Vinod Ahirwar, nodal officer of the rehabilitation camp, said that on the instructions of Collector North Bastar Kanker, 40 surrendered Maoists are being trained in various skills. Mushroom production, horticulture and other self-employment based training will also be started in future. The aim of the government is that the surrendered people should become self-reliant and live a respectable life in the society.