Dantewada (Chhattisgarh) [India], June 12 (HBTV): As part of a special rehabilitation initiative, the Dantewada district administration in Chhattisgarh has commenced the construction of permanent homes for surrendered Naxalites and families affected by Left-Wing Extremism under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G).

The foundation-laying ceremony for these homes was held in Jhoriabadam village panchayat, situated in the Geedam development block. A total of 38 beneficiaries, including surrendered Naxalites and families impacted by Naxal violence, will receive homes through this initiative.

Among the beneficiaries is Chhotu Mandvi, a former Naxalite who joined the movement in 2015 and surrendered in 2020. He expressed gratitude to the government for its support, stating, ‘I joined Naxalite activities in 2015 and surrendered in 2020. The government is providing housing; we thank them for this. They are providing good facilities to everyone. They are providing electricity, water, everything.’

Another beneficiary, Manu Mandavi, who earlier supplied goods to Naxalites and surrendered in 2020, shared his relief: ‘I used to supply goods to the Naxalites. I surrendered in 2020. Till now, we have been living on rent. Now we are getting a house from the government. We are happy.’

Speaking at the ceremony, Dantewada Collector Kunal Dudawat said the housing initiative is part of a focused campaign to rehabilitate insurgency-affected families. ‘Under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, a special campaign was launched for the Naxal-affected families and all the families were surveyed. While allocating land to them, the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of houses in the Pradhan Mantri Awas Colony was held today. This will serve as a model for others,’ he said.

He further added, ‘The implementation of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana is being done at a fast pace in the district. I am confident that we will be able to complete the construction of this colony in the coming 3–4 months.’

(ANI)