Sukma (Chhattisgarh) [India], March 13 (HBTV): A new story of change is unfolding in Chichorguda village of Samsetthi Gram Panchayat in Chhattisgarh, located amid dense forests and difficult terrain about 15-20 kilometres from the Sukma district headquarters.
The area, once under the shadow of Naxal influence, is now moving towards peace, development, and rehabilitation.
Under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Gramin), permanent houses are being provided to surrendered Naxalites to help them move towards a secure and dignified life.
For families returning to the mainstream after years of living in the jungles, these houses represent more than just shelter. The initiative aims to provide stability, security, and social acceptance to those who have surrendered weapons and chosen the path of development.
Bastar Inspector General P Sundarraj said rehabilitated Maoists and Naxal-affected individuals are being allotted houses under the scheme, emphasising the commitment of both the central and state governments to eliminate Naxal activities in the Bastar region.
'With the objective of providing a better life to rehabilitated Maoists and Naxal-affected individuals who have joined the mainstream by renouncing violence in the Bastar division, houses are being allotted under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. This will provide them with permanent residence and enable them to live a dignified life. Work is being carried out in this direction in all districts of the division,' he said.
He added that sustained security operations during 2024-25 have significantly reduced Naxal activities in the region and created a positive environment for development.
'The Government of India and the Chhattisgarh government have a clear intention to completely eliminate Naxal activities from the Bastar division. Continuous action by security forces has resulted in a significant decrease in Naxal activities, creating a positive environment in the area. In the coming years, Bastar will emerge with a new identity,' he added.
Sukma Superintendent of Police Kiran Chavan said surrendered Naxalites are being integrated into government welfare schemes.
'Naxalites who surrender and join the rehabilitation process are being provided houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. A provision for approximately 15,000 houses has been made for the entire Bastar division. Surrendered Naxalites as well as Naxal-affected families are being given the benefits of government schemes,' she said.
Sukma Zila Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Mukund Thakur said a special housing project has been approved under the scheme in Chhattisgarh.
'A survey of 2,976 people was conducted in Sukma district, of which 1,113 people have been granted housing approval. The first instalment has been released to 801 beneficiaries, and 19 houses have been completed. Regular monitoring is being carried out and efforts are underway to complete the remaining houses soon,' he said.
He added that beneficiaries in remote areas such as Jagargunda, Kistaram, Pamed, and Puvarthi are also being included in the scheme.
Meanwhile, Awas Mitra Madkam Sona said he monitors construction work and reports to the administration about beneficiaries who face difficulties in building their houses.
'Under the special project for 2024-25, three people in this area have been provided housing. A total of 102 houses have been sanctioned in this Panchayat, of which around 60 to 70 houses are complete and the rest are under construction,' he said.
Surrendered Naxalites and their families also expressed gratitude for the government support they are receiving.
Madkam Gangi, a surrendered Naxalite, said, 'Our Aadhaar cards and ration cards have been made, and we are also getting housing facilities. Rice, pulses and other ration materials are being provided by the government. Life earlier was very difficult as we had to live in the jungles. After surrendering, we are now living in a house with our family, and life has become better.'
The son of another surrendered Naxalite, Soni Budri, said their family life has improved significantly after receiving a house.
'My mother was previously in the Naxal organisation, but after surrendering she received a house under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Gramin). Earlier we lived in a hut and faced many problems during the rainy season. Now, after getting a permanent house, our life has improved and the whole family is living together happily. We thank the government very much,' he said.
Authorities say the rehabilitation effort goes beyond housing and aims to rebuild trust while integrating former insurgents into society. Officials believe such initiatives will help strengthen peace and development in Bastar’s remote regions. (ANI)