Following Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s recent assertion that India is “almost free from Naxalism,” the government’s focus is now shifting from counter-insurgency operations to rehabilitation and livelihood generation for surrendered Maoists and victims of Naxal violence. In a significant step in this direction, North Bastar’s Kanker district has become the first in Chhattisgarh to link rehabilitated individuals with employment after skill training at the Chougel Rehabilitation Centre.
District Collector Nilesh Kumar Mahadev Kshirsagar recently handed over appointment letters to four beneficiaries—three victims of Naxal violence and one surrendered Maoist. The recipients, Saganuram Anchala, Roshan Netam, Beersingh Mandavi, and Sanjay Netam, have been employed by a private firm with a monthly salary of Rs 15,000 along with additional benefits.
Beersingh Mandavi, a survivor of Naxal violence, described the initiative as life-changing. He said the Chougel camp gave him a “new lease of life,” as free training enabled him to gain professional skills and secure stable employment.
Officials stated that the rehabilitation centre, located in Chougel village near the Bhanupratappur development block, is running a dedicated programme aimed at equipping surrendered Maoists and victims with sustainable livelihood skills. Once a Border Security Force (BSF) camp, the facility has now been transformed into a skill development hub under the Rehabilitation Policy 2025.
Currently, around 40 individuals are undergoing vocational training in trades such as woodcraft, electrical work, tailoring, masonry, and driving. Trainees are engaged in producing items like nameplates, government signboards, decorative materials, key rings, cloth bags, and office satchels.
The centre also offers educational support, including books and teaching assistance, along with regular health check-ups and access to medicines provided by the Health Department.
To ensure holistic rehabilitation, the camp organizes recreational activities such as indoor games, music, and sports. Training modules also extend to skills like vehicle driving and even horse riding, officials added.
Additionally, the camp conducts one-day workshops in collaboration with various government departments, including agriculture, fisheries, horticulture, livestock development, and the Bihan rural livelihood initiative.
With such initiatives gaining momentum, officials believe the transition from conflict to community integration is steadily taking shape in regions once affected by insurgency.
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