*From insurgency to a new beginning: Government scripting a development story through rehabilitation in Sukma*
*Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai reviews rehabilitation centre, holds heartfelt interaction with rehabilitated individuals*
*Distribution of mobiles, house keys and appointment letters; release of coffee table book Punarvaas Se Vikas Tak*
Ashish kashyap Editor in chief Raipur, /In Sukma, which remained affected by Naxal terror for a long time, a new picture of peace, trust and development is now emerging. In this context, Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai visited the rehabilitation centre located at the Sukma district headquarters and reviewed the ongoing rehabilitation and skill development activities. During the visit, he held an emotional interaction with rehabilitated individuals, understood their experiences, and extended congratulations and best wishes for starting a new life by joining the mainstream.
“The government is firmly committed to bringing misguided individuals into the mainstream and providing them with a dignified life, employment, and equal opportunities to progress,” said Shri Sai. He added the confidence visible in the eyes of the rehabilitated individuals is proof that with the right opportunities and guidance, every misguided step can find a new direction and a new life.
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that due to the state government’s effective Naxal rehabilitation policy, positive changes are clearly visible in Sukma and the Bastar region. So far, 2,392 Naxalites have renounced violence and decided to join the mainstream of society, out of which 361 rehabilitated individuals have begun a new life and moved towards self-reliance. The government’s objective is not limited to rehabilitation alone, but to ensure dignified living, sustainable employment, and equal opportunities in society. At the rehabilitation centre, skill development training is being provided in various trades such as masonry, tailoring, agricultural entrepreneurship, and driving.
He said that in 2026 so far, 307 beneficiaries have been trained, while 313 youths, who have returned to the mainstream are being provided a monthly stipend of Rs 10,000. The district administration has distributed mobile phones to 107 rehabilitated beneficiaries, enabling them to connect with digital and communication platforms and move towards a modern lifestyle. Notably, 115 women are setting new examples of self-reliance through training and technical support.
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that relief has also been provided to dependents of families affected by Naxal violence, with employment opportunities extended under compassionate appointments—20 in the police department and 95 in government services by the district administration.
During the programme, appointment letters were distributed to beneficiaries including Ms. Mausam Sanjana, a resident of village Dhondara Konta, and Shri Bharat Kumar Hemla, a resident of Nagaras Jagargunda, along with others. Additionally, appointment letters were also distributed to 10 newly appointed teachers under the Education Department.
On the occasion, Chief Minister Shri Sai distributed mobile phones, masonry kits, house keys under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, and completion certificates to rehabilitated beneficiaries. A total of 25 beneficiaries were handed over house keys and honoured.
The Chief Minister also released a coffee table book titled Badalte Sukma Ki Badalti Tasveer- Punarvaas Se Vikas Tak – ‘Sukma’s Transformation Story: From Rehabilitation to Development’, showcasing inspiring success stories of Naxal rehabilitation. Appreciating the performances by artists at the art centre of the rehabilitation facility, he said that this transformation is not just physical, but also a symbol of social and psychological change.
Health Minister Shri Shyam Bihari Jaiswal, Bastar MP Shri Mahesh Kashyap, along with other public representatives and senior officials, were present at the programme.
