Kerala announces rehab scheme for Maoists

The CPM-led Kerala government on Wednesday announced a rehabilitation package for Maoists who are willing to surrender.

The state cabinet in a meeting here sanctioned a scheme under which the ultra-left insurgents operating in Kerala and willing to surrender are extended a category-based financial assistance.

A statement from the office of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said the package aims to “liberate” people influenced by extremist ideologies.

Maoists who surrender while holding high ranks in their organisations will be given a package of Rs 5 lakh, in instalments. Financial assistance will also be provided to those who plan to continue their education (Rs 15,000), to get married (Rs 25,000) and to undergo vocational training (Rs 10,000 for up to three months).

The authorities have devised a rehabilitation package for two other categories, under which the surrendering Maoists will be provided Rs 3 lakh as assistance. Those who surrender their weapons will be financially compensated.

“Employment opportunities will be provided to those who surrender to ensure that they don’t return to extremism. The scheme, however, will not encourage those who surrender only to avail the benefits,” the statement from the CMO said.

The government is also exploring possibilities of including homeless people in all three categories in the government housing schemes.

In March, the chief minister informed the Legislative Assembly that a surrender-cum-rehabilitation policy was being formulated to help Maoists reintegrate into society. Maoist presence has been reported in the northern districts of Kannur, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Malappuram and Palakkad.

The government has sought from the Centre inclusion of these districts in the Security Related Expenditure Scheme run by the Ministry of Home Affairs.