Bastar (Chhattisgarh) [India], December 1 (HBTV): In line with the state government’s efforts to connect Maoists with the mainstream, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai inaugurated Cafe Pandum at the divisional headquarters in Jagdalpur to provide employment opportunities to former Maoists who have surrendered.
After the inauguration on Monday, the Chief Minister extended his wishes and said the government aims to support individuals affected by Naxalism or those who have surrendered. He stated that the administration is committed to assisting them by offering skill development programmes to connect them with employment opportunities.
‘Today, in Jagdalpur, the land of Maa Danteshwari, this Pandum cafe has been inaugurated as a result of our duties. Our youth who are victims of Naxalism and those who surrendered will run this together. The government is trying to do good for all those who are victims of Naxalism or have surrendered. It will work to connect them with employment by imparting skills. So, a good initiative has started here. We extend our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to all the youth,’ CM Vishnu Deo Sai said.
As Cafe Pandum opened, former Naxalites expressed happiness about beginning a new life and thanked the government for integrating them into the mainstream.
Phoolmati, a former Naxalite who surrendered in January 2025, said the cafe has changed her life and allowed her to care for her family. She told ANI that she joined the Naxal organisation in 2009 when she was very young and had been unaware of what she was entering into. She said she surrendered in January 2025 and received employment at the cafe, which has given her financial stability and a fresh start.
Biren Thakur, a former Naxalite who surrendered in 2016, said he received hospitality training and is happy with his job at the cafe. He said he had been involved with Naxal groups since 2004 and that his new employment has brought stability and hope after years of living in difficult conditions.
Another former Maoist who surrendered in January 2025 shared similar sentiments, saying their life has changed after receiving work at the cafe and expressing gratitude to the government for providing an opportunity to rebuild.
Bastar IG P Sundarrajan said Maoists who once took to violence are now coming forward for rehabilitation after having a change of heart. He noted that assistance is being provided under the government’s rehabilitation policy, including training in hotel management and the hospitality sector across all districts in the Bastar division.
He said that Cafe Pandum, opened on November 17 at the Jagdalpur divisional headquarters, provides employment opportunities for surrendered Maoists who have completed such training, allowing them to reintegrate into society and build peaceful, productive lives.
(ANI)