Package for Maoist rebels

MUMBAI: In response to the continuing violence in the Naxalite-dominated districts of the state, the state government has drafted a policy offering a comprehensive package to Maoist rebels laying down their arms.
Life insurance, housing under the Indira Awaas Yojana, jobs under the Prime Minister’s Employment Scheme, monetary incentives for self- employment and cash rewards upto Rs 50,000 are some of the highlights the surrender policy offers, senior government officials said.
The policy will be implemented in Gadchiroli, Chandrapur, Bhandara, Gondia, Yavatmal and Nanded district which have been described as ‘‘Naxalite-prone’’. Intelligence reports state that Gadchiroli has been completely taken over by the Naxalites. The government now seeks satellite surveillance to track down their movements.
The government hopes to counter the violence by inviting Naxalites to join the mainstream. As such, the government will give Rs 50,000 to a Naxalite who surrenders with a rocket launcher, Rs 30,000 for those with AK-series rifles, Rs 15,000 for someone giving up with a 9 mm carbine or a 7.62 mm self-loading rifle and Rs 6,000 for those laying down .303 rifles, pistols and revolvers.
Amounts ranging between Rs 1,000 and Rs 6,000 will be paid to those surrendering with remote controlled devices, rockets, explosives, grenades and wireless sets.
Though the government will award various incentives to a Naxalite, it will not withdraw criminal cases against him or her. A Naxalite may surrender before the district superintendent of police, his deputy or even the police station in- charge but intelligence agencies will confirm that the Naxalite is doing so of his own will and is not a ‘plant’ or a mole in the official circles.
If the activities of a Naxalite who has surrendered are found suspicious later on, the government will withdraw all facilities extended to him or her.