The Chhattisgarh government is expected to announce a new surrender policy for Maoists within the next two months, focusing on establishing rehabilitation camps in Left-wing insurgency-affected districts. These camps will offer skill development training for a period of three years, according to officials familiar with the situation.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, during his recent visit to Chhattisgarh, mentioned that the state government is working on this policy. He expressed confidence that India will be free from Maoist violence by March 2026, stating that the battle against Maoists is in its final stages.
An official revealed that the policy will include a provision for providing ₹10,000 in monthly financial assistance for three years. “While similar initiatives have been attempted before, this new plan will emphasize a more structured and rigorous rehabilitation process,” said the official, who requested anonymity. He added that district administrations would set up rehabilitation camps offering vocational and skill development training under this policy.
Beneficiaries are expected to stay in these camps for the full three-year term unless they find employment earlier. “Skill development centers already operate under a government of India scheme, providing training in practical skills like blacksmithing and barbering to ensure livelihood opportunities,” the official added.
A second official shared that the new surrender policy will also provide an immediate grant of ₹5 lakh for senior Maoist leaders, such as members of the State Committee, Regional Committee, Central Committee, and Politburo, and ₹2.5 lakh for middle and lower-ranked cadres. The money will be placed in fixed deposits, which can be withdrawn after completing the three-year training, provided the individual maintains good behavior as certified by designated authorities.
A committee comprising an Additional Director General-level officer, representatives from the state home department, police, and central armed police forces will oversee the screening and rehabilitation process.
According to a third official, the new policy will align with the Union Home Ministry’s guidelines issued in August 2022 to Maoist-affected states. These guidelines stipulate that the government of India will reimburse 60% of the rehabilitation costs for surrendered Maoists under the Security Related Expenditure (SRE) Scheme, with a ceiling of ₹5 lakh for higher-ranked cadres and ₹2.5 lakh for lower-ranked ones. A monthly stipend of ₹10,000 will also be provided for up to 36 months during the training period in rehabilitation camps.
