NEW DELHI: New Delhi : Ahead of the March 2026 deadline set by home minister Amit Shah for eliminating left-wing extremism, Chhattisgarh has come out with a comprehensive policy for surrender of Maoists as well as their relief and rehabilitation, and also that of victims of Naxal violence and civilians aiding police in countering the menace.
Okayed at a cabinet meet chaired by CM Vishnu Deo Sai Wednesday, the new policy proposes enhanced financial incentives, education, rehab, jobs and security.
It comes at a time when Maoists have been reeling under the biggest-ever offensive by security forces.
With the loss of many of their senior members, majority of the Maoist cadre are expected to grab the offers highlighted in the ‘Chhattisgarh Naxalite Surrender/Victim Relief and Rehabilitation Policy-2025’ that combines ensuring security of their lives with promises of financial benefits.
Kin including children of deceased victims of Naxal violence could receive relief compensation of Rs 10 lakh; that of a permanently disabled victim, Rs 5 lakh; and a grievously injured one, Rs 2 lakh. Kin of victims killed while assisting police in antiNaxal operations could receive a total compensation of Rs 15 lakh, though the amount in case of permanently disabled is proposed at Rs 8 lakh and for grievously injured, at Rs 4 lakh.
The policy promises enhanced financial incentive to surrendered Maoists (doubled to Rs 50,000), including raised compensation for different categories of surrendered weapons and for leading the police to IEDs and arms/explosives dumps. Turning in a light machine gun (LMG) may get the Maoist Rs 5 lakh, up from Rs 4.5 lakh; an AK-47, Rs 4 lakh instead of Rs 3 lakh; and a .303 rifle, Rs 1.5 lakh instead of Rs 1 lakh. Reward of Rs 3 lakh-12 lakh are proposed for new ranks of Maoists, including zonal/sub-zonal committee commander, militia company commander and communication team commander, etc.
For rehabilitation of surrendered Maoists and their family members, the policy — which also covers Maoists from outside the state but engaged in LWE activities within Chhattisgarh — offers free education, quota-based admissions as well as scholarships, besides an annual grant up to Rs 25,000 for education in private institutions. The policy proposes jobs and self-employment opportunities as well as preference in govt schemes. Male Maoists undergoing reverse vasectomy will be reimbursed under the policy. Maoists who aid police shall also be eligible for govt jobs.
Maoists carrying a reward of Rs 5 lakh or more are proposed to receive benefits including a govt job for a family member or Rs 10 lakh, upon surrender; a private entity employing them will get 40% grant from govt, subject to a limit of 5 years and annual relief of Rs 5 lakh. Maoists with Rs 5 lakh-plus bounty would be entitled to loans on easy terms for self-employment and get farm land of 1 hectare in rural areas and 1,742 sq ft residential property in urban areas; or Rs 2 lakh in lieu of these. The farmland/urban residence incentive is also proposed for victims of Naxal violence.
Residential accommodation will be arranged for surrendered Maoists who aid police; till such time such accomodation is available, they shall be housed in transit camps. They will also get Rs 1 lakh aid if marrying within 3 years of surrender.
A police personnel aiding a Maoist’s surrender is proposed to get 10% of the reward or Rs 5 lakh, whichever is less. A Maoist’s family member aiding such surrender will get Rs 50,000 separately.