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By:

Abhijit Mulye

21 August 2024 at 11:29:11 am

Red flag to green steel

Ex-Maoists forge new destiny in Gadchiroli Gadchiroli: The rugged, forested terrain of Gadchiroli district, long synonymous with the violence and deep-rooted anti-establishment tenets of the ‘Red Ideology’, is now witnessing a remarkable social and industrial transformation. At the Lloyds Metals and Energy Ltd. (LMEL) plant in Konsari, once-feared Maoist operatives are shedding their past lives and embracing a new, respectable existence as skilled workers in a cutting-edge Direct Reduced Iron...

Red flag to green steel

Ex-Maoists forge new destiny in Gadchiroli Gadchiroli: The rugged, forested terrain of Gadchiroli district, long synonymous with the violence and deep-rooted anti-establishment tenets of the ‘Red Ideology’, is now witnessing a remarkable social and industrial transformation. At the Lloyds Metals and Energy Ltd. (LMEL) plant in Konsari, once-feared Maoist operatives are shedding their past lives and embracing a new, respectable existence as skilled workers in a cutting-edge Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) and pellet plant. This ‘green steel’ project, part of LMEL’s push for an integrated steel complex in the region, is functioning not just as an industrial unit but as a crucial pillar in the Maharashtra government’s surrender-cum-rehabilitation policy. So far, LMEL, in coordination with the state government and the Gadchiroli Police, has provided employment and training to 68 surrendered Maoists and 14 members of families affected by Naxal violence, a total of 82 individuals, offering them a definitive pathway back to the mainstream. The Shift The transformation begins at the company’s dedicated Lloyds Skill Development and Training Centre at Konsari. Recognizing that many former cadres had limited formal education, the company implements a structured, skill-based rehabilitation model. They are trained in essential technical and operational skills required for plant administration, civil construction, and mechanical operations. For individuals like Govinda Atala, a former deputy commander, the change is palpable. “After surrendering, I got the right to live a new life,” Atala said. “I am very happy to get this job. I am now living my life on my own; there is no pressure on me now.” Suresh Hichame, who spent over a decade in the movement before surrendering in 2009 too echoed the sentiments. He realized the path of violence offered neither him nor his family any benefit. Moreover, his self-respecct was hurt. He knew several languages and carried out several crucial tasks for the banned organization remaining constantly under the shadow of death. Today, he works in the plant, receiving a steady monthly salary that enables him to care for his family—a basic dignity the ‘Red Ideology’ could never provide. The monthly salaries of the rehabilitated workers, typically ranging from Rs 13,000 to Rs 20,000, are revolutionary in a region long characterized by poverty and lack of opportunities. Trust, Stability The employment of former Maoists is a brave and calculated risk for LMEL, an industry that historically faced stiff opposition and even violence from the left wing extremist groups. LMEL’s management, however, sees it as an investment in inclusive growth and long-term stability for the district. The LMEL has emphasized the company’s commitment to training and facilitating career growth for the local populace, including the surrendered cadres. This commitment to local workforce upskilling is proving to be a highly effective counter-insurgency strategy, chipping away at the foundation of the Maoist movement: the exploitation of local grievances and lack of economic options. The reintegration effort extends beyond the factory floor. By providing stable incomes and a sense of purpose, LMEL helps the former rebels navigate the social transition. They are now homeowners, taxpayers, and active members of the community, replacing the identity of an outlaw with that of a respected employee. This social acceptance, coupled with economic independence, is the true measure of rehabilitation. The successful employment of cadres, some of whom were once high-ranking commanders, also sends a powerful message to those still active in the jungle: the path to a peaceful and prosperous life is open and tangible. It transforms the promise of government rehabilitation into a concrete reality. The plant, with its production of iron ore and steel, is physically transforming the region into an emerging industrial hub, and in doing so, it is symbolically forging the nation’s progress out of the ashes of extremism. The coordinated effort between private industry, the state government, and the Gadchiroli police is establishing a new environment of trust, stability, and economic progress, marking Gadchiroli’s transition from a Maoist hotbed to a model of inclusive and sustainable development.

A Steady Hand at the Supreme Court’s Helm

Updated: Nov 18, 2024

Sanjiv Khanna

With a judicial career spanning decades and a reputation for pragmatism and independence, Justice Sanjiv Khanna’s ascent to the top job comes at a time when the Indian judiciary is grappling with questions of institutional autonomy, case backlog and the balance of power between the executive and the judiciary.


A scion of a distinguished legal family, Khanna’s legacy is shaped in part by the activism of his late uncle, Justice H.R. Khanna, a towering figure in Indian legal history. H.R. Khanna’s courageous dissent in the infamous ADM Jabalpur case during the Emergency, which upheld the right to life even in the face of arbitrary government action, left an indelible mark on India’s judicial landscape. Justice Sanjiv Khanna, born in 1960, has charted his own course, marked by both continuity and reform.


Khanna’s judicial journey began in the Delhi High Court, where he was elevated to the Supreme Court in 2019. In his short tenure on the apex court, he has already presided over several landmark rulings. Notably, he was part of the bench that struck down the controversial electoral bonds scheme, a key plank of the ruling government’s electoral strategy, on the grounds that it threatened transparency in political funding. He also upheld the government’s decision to abrogate Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir, a contentious move that was deeply polarizing but affirmed the court’s deference to the political branches in matters of national integrity.


Khanna’s jurisprudence is marked by a steady, no-nonsense approach to constitutional interpretation. He has repeatedly defended the robustness of the Indian electoral system, most recently by affirming the use of electronic voting machines (EVMs) against allegations of tampering, while also pushing back against calls to return to paper ballots. His balanced approach to such high-stakes issues has earned him respect across ideological divides.


As Chief Justice, Khanna inherits an institution under considerable pressure. The Supreme Court, which has long been a crucial check on executive power, now faces heightened scrutiny for its role in contentious matters such as electoral integrity and economic reforms. Khanna has already signalled a commitment to greater transparency and efficiency within the court.


Acknowledging the growing demand for urgent hearings, he has called for the curbing of ‘oral mentioning’ - a practice where lawyers bypass formal filing procedures to seek expedited hearings. The system, often abused, has led to long delays and frustrations, with cases sometimes stretching late into the day. Khanna’s attempt to regularize this practice is an early sign of his intent to reform administrative practices without undermining the fundamental principle of judicial independence.


Khanna’s vision for the judiciary is anchored in accessibility and efficiency. In his first remarks as Chief Justice, he emphasized the importance of equal treatment and fair access to justice for all, irrespective of wealth or status. Khanna has made it clear that one of his key priorities will be to ensure that the judicial process is less burdensome and more responsive to the needs of ordinary citizens. His advocacy for mediation and efforts to streamline criminal case management reflect this citizen-centric approach.


Furthermore, Khanna’s tenure as Chief Justice will coincide with key vacancies in the Supreme Court, raising questions about his approach to judicial appointments. The Khanna Collegium, which he now heads, will play a decisive role in selecting new judges.


Khanna’s tenure also promises to be marked by a continued focus on constitutional jurisprudence. As the court grapples with critical issues like the use of the Money Bill route to pass contentious laws such as the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), many will look to Khanna’s leadership in handling such cases. His pragmatism, combined with his deep understanding of constitutional principles, suggests that he may take a measured approach to these thorny issues, always mindful of the need to protect both the letter and the spirit of the Constitution.


As he embarks on his term, which runs until May 2025, much will depend on how effectively he can navigate the tensions between the different branches of government, while ensuring that the Supreme Court remains the ultimate guardian of the country’s constitutional democracy.

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