RANCHI: Making it more attractive and simple, the State Cabinet in Jharkhand on Tuesday gave its approval to the proposals made by Home Department to revise the existing Surrender and Rehabilitation Policy for Maoists enabling more and more rebels to join the mainstream. As per the revised policy, family of a surrendered Maoist will get all benefits given to a common man, in case he is killed in Naxal violence, besides getting increased incentives.
The changes were made to make surrender policy more simple and attractive so that more and more Maoists shun violence it and get into the mainstream. "Besides getting the ex-gratia given to the family members of a common man, one of his nearest eligible kin will also get a government job, in case a surrendered Maoist is killed by his former colleagues," said Cabinet Secretary cum Home Secretary SKG Rahate. Loan amount for providing employment opportunities to a surrendered Maoist has also been increased from Rs 2 lakh to 4 lakh.
Rahate said that a Maoist surrendering before Police will also get a grant besides getting reward money mentioned in the surrender policy. "As per the provisions in the new policy, a Maoist of the rank of Zonal Commander and above (Grade A), will get Rs 6 lakh immediately while surrendering before the Police, while a Maoist of the rank lower than a Zonal Commander (Grade B), will get a grant of Rs 3 lakh," said the Cabinet Secretary. “Earlier, they were given Rs 5 lakh and 2.5 lakh to Grade - A and B respectively.”
Some of arms, left earlier in the old surrender policy, have also been included in the list for which an amount have been fixed to be given to a Maoist while surrendering before the Police. "Rs 75,000 will be given if Maoist surrenders with an INSAS or SLR, while an amount of Rs 25,000 has been fixed for 303 Rifle, pistol, Carbine and revolver," said Rahate. In addition to that, educational fee for their children studying till graduation has also been increased from Rs 25,000 to 40,000, added the Cabinet Secretary.
Rahate said that, if Special Branch of the State Police finds out their involvement in any Naxal activity, all their benefits given by the State Government will be withdrawn immediately.
The State Cabinet on Tuesday gave its approval for 22 proposals made by different departments.