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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.

Are You The Customer or Product?

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Apple CEO Tim Cook once said, “When an online service is free, you’re not the customer. You’re the product.” Its relevance in the world of personal finance today is striking - especially in how people buy insurance, invest in mutual funds, or choose stockbrokers.


There’s a growing trend of consumers going the “cheaper” route - buying term insurance and health insurance online, picking the lowest-cost mutual funds, and signing up with zero-commission brokers. It feels smart at first. Low premium, low fees, no middleman. But problems begin when it’s time to act.


Many forget to pay insurance premiums on time, miss out on critical riders, or end up buying the wrong plan altogether. Renewals are overlooked. When a claim arises, they realise there’s no one to guide them. The same “no-agent” policy now becomes a source of stress, not savings.


In stock markets, traders and investors are lured by ultra-low-cost brokers. But when there's a glitch, an outage, or their order doesn’t go through on a crucial day - there’s no one to turn to. No advice, no accountability. And when the portfolio bleeds, the only help is a chatbot.


The same applies to mutual funds. People pick direct plans or index funds based only on low expense ratios. That’s the worst way to pick schemes. Picking schemes is a science based on multiple formulae. Besides, market cycles, goals, categories, and strategies matter - not just cost. With thousands of schemes across various categories, an advisor helps you pick the right ones based on market scenarios - whether for SIPs or lumpsum investments. People try to avoid the cost of professional help - and end up paying a bigger price in poor returns, missed goals, and emotional exits during market corrections.


A smart advisor will help you raise a loan against the mutual fund, instead of selling it (which will trigger capital gains and opportunity loss from future gains). People eventually realise, nobody is really there to help in operational tasks. The platform is low-cost, yes - but also low-support.


In personal finance, avoiding a small fee today often creates a big regret tomorrow. The real cost isn’t what you pay - it’s what you lose when things go wrong.


As Cook rightly implied, when it’s too cheap, you’re not the client - you’re just a transaction. True value lies in quality advice, timely action, and having someone in your corner when it matters most. In finance, the most expensive thing isn't fees. It’s going solo.


Bottomline

For all investments and insurances, always trust a well-qualified full-time entrepreneur as an advisor. He has the necessary education, wisdom, expertise and experience to help you achieve your financial goals. Because the cost of doing nothing - or worse, doing it wrong - is often far greater than the cost of sound advice.


(The author is a Chartered Accountant and CFA (USA). Financial Advisor.

Views personal. He could be reached on 9833133605.)

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