West Bengal announces rehab package for surrendering Maoists

KOLKATA - The West Bengal government Thursday formally announced a package for bringing back Maoist guerillas, who lay down arms, to the mainstream under a “Special Rehabilitation Scheme” of the central government.

Making the announcement on the eve of the first anniversary of the anti-Maoist joint security forces’ operation in the Lalgarh belt, state Chief Secretary Ardhendu Sen said the surrender-cum-rehabilitation package would include giving rice at Rs.2 a kg to the below poverty line (BPL) cardholders.

The government would also review cases of those in police custody and bail out those against whom there are minor charges. Sen said the government has got indications that some Maoists were willing to surrender and the necessary instructions in this reagard have been passed on to the district administrations.

When an ultra surrenders, he would be kept under watch and would get considerable help in rehabilitation, provided his conduct was good.

In the Maoist-affected zones, the focus would be on implementing schemes of different departments, particularly the special schemes meant for the Left-wing extremist hit areas in West Midnapore, Bankura and Purulia districts.

Ninth and 10 class girl students will get bicycles to help them continue their school education while two hotels will come up at Jhargram and Midnapore towns in West Midnapore district for tribal boys and girls.

To enhance the scope of vocational training, the polytechnic institute and industrial training institute in Jhargram would be upgraded.

The government would also build computer training centres and vocational instruction institutes to increase employability and create self-employment opportunities, Sen added.