top of page

By:

Abhijit Mulye

21 August 2024 at 11:29:11 am

Gadchiroli SP declares Maoist menace ‘almost over’

Mumbai: In a resounding statement signalling a historic shift, Gadchiroli Superintendent of Police (SP) Neelotpal has declared the district, once the dark heart of the ‘Red Corridor,’ is on the verge of becoming completely free of the Naxal menace. The SP expressed absolute confidence in the complete eradication of the banned CPI (Maoist) presence, noting that the remaining cadres have dwindled to a mere handful. “There has been a sea change in the situation,” SP Neelotpal stated,...

Gadchiroli SP declares Maoist menace ‘almost over’

Mumbai: In a resounding statement signalling a historic shift, Gadchiroli Superintendent of Police (SP) Neelotpal has declared the district, once the dark heart of the ‘Red Corridor,’ is on the verge of becoming completely free of the Naxal menace. The SP expressed absolute confidence in the complete eradication of the banned CPI (Maoist) presence, noting that the remaining cadres have dwindled to a mere handful. “There has been a sea change in the situation,” SP Neelotpal stated, highlighting the dramatic turnaround. He revealed that from approximately 100 Maoist cadres on record in January 2024, the number has plummeted to barely 10 individuals whose movements are now confined to a very small pocket of the Bhamragad sub-division in South Gadchiroli, near the Chhattisgarh border. “North Gadchiroli is now free of Maoism. The Maoists have to surrender and join the mainstream or face police action... there is no other option.” The SP attributes this success to a meticulously executed multi-pronged strategy encompassing intensified anti-Maoist operations, a robust Civic Action Programme, and the effective utilisation of Maharashtra’s attractive surrender-cum-rehabilitation policy. The Gadchiroli Police, especially the elite C-60 commandos, have achieved significant operational milestones. In the last three years alone, they have neutralised 43 hardcore Maoists and achieved a 100 per cent success rate in operations without police casualties for nearly five years. SP Neelotpal highlighted that the security forces have aggressively moved to close the “security vacuum,” which was once an estimated 3,000 square kilometres of unpoliced territory used by Maoists for training and transit. The establishment of eight new police camps/Forward Operating Bases (FoBs) since January 2023, including in the remote Abujhmad foothills, has been crucial in securing these areas permanently. Winning Hearts, Minds The Civic Action Programme has been deemed a “game changer” by the SP. Through schemes like ‘Police Dadalora Khidaki’ and ‘Project Udaan’, the police have transformed remote outposts into service delivery centres, providing essential government services and employment opportunities. This sustained outreach has successfully countered Maoist propaganda and, most critically, resulted in zero Maoist recruitment from Gadchiroli for the last few years. Surrender Wave The state’s progressive rehabilitation policy has seen a massive influx of surrenders. “One sentiment is common among all the surrendered cadres: that the movement has ended, it has lost public support, and without public support, no movement can sustain,” the SP noted. The surrender of key figures, notably that of Mallojula Venugopal Rao alias ‘Bhupathi,’ a CPI (Maoist) Politburo member, and his wife Sangeeta, was a “landmark development” that triggered a surrender wave. Since June 2024, over 126 Maoists have surrendered. The rehabilitation program offers land, housing under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, and employment. Surrendered cadres are receiving skill training and are successfully transitioning into normal life, with around 70 already employed in the local Lloyds plant. A District Reborn The transformation of Gadchiroli is now moving beyond security concerns. With the decline of extremism, the district is rapidly moving towards development and normalcy. The implementation of development schemes, round-the-clock electricity, water supply, mobile towers, and new infrastructure like roads and bridges is being given top priority. He concludes that the police’s focus is now shifting from an anti-Maoist offensive to routine law-and-order policing, addressing new challenges like industrialisation, theft, and traffic management. With the Maoist movement in “complete disarray” and major strongholds like the Maharashtra-Madhya Pradesh-Chhattisgarh (MMC) Special Zone collapsing, the SP is highly optimistic. Gadchiroli is not just getting rid of the Naxal menace; it is embracing its future as a developing, peaceful district, well on track to meet the central government’s goal of eradicating Naxalism by March 31, 2026.

FY 2025–26 Tax Planning: Tips for the Salaried Individual

Plan early, choose wisely and invest smartly to enter FY 2025–26 with lower tax and greater financial stability.

ree

Most salaried individuals rush into tax planning at year-end, leading to poor choices and stress. With the New Tax Regime taking focus for FY 2025–26, early planning is wiser—it reduces tax, improves cash flow and clarifies long-term goals. The guidelines below provide a simple, structured approach.


1. Choosing Your Tax Regime

Your first step is choosing between the Old Regime and the New Regime. This single choice shapes your entire tax year.


The Old Regime suits taxpayers who claim multiple deductions, offering many exemptions for those paying rent, servicing a home loan or investing in PPF, ELSS and insurance, though tax rates are higher. The New Regime is better for those with few deductions, providing lower rates but limited exemptions, and has been the default since FY 2023–24.


Professional CA tip: At the start of April, prepare a sheet listing expected 80C investments, health insurance, home loan interest, HRA exemption, NPS and other deductions, then compare both regimes to see which results in lower tax.


2. Maximise Section 80C

Section 80C allows a deduction of up to Rs. 1,50,000.


Typical 80C options include EPF, PPF and ELSS. Other eligible choices include life insurance premiums, 5-year tax-saving FDs, Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, children’s tuition fees and home loan principal.


Tip: Check how much EPF already covers before investing more. Many employees unknowingly overinvest.


3. Sec. 80D: Med. Ins. Deduction

Health insurance offers both tax relief and financial protection. You can claim a deduction of Rs. 25,000 for premiums paid for yourself, your spouse and your children, and an additional Rs. 50,000 if you are paying for health insurance for your senior-citizen parents.


Why it matters: Medical costs are rising, and one emergency can wipe out savings. Buying a policy early keeps premiums lower and ensures the full deduction.


4. Fully Use HRA

HRA is a key tax saver for salaried individuals in rented homes. The exemption is the lowest of three values: actual HRA received, 50 per cent of salary in metros (40 per cent in non-metros), or rent paid minus 10 per cent of salary. To claim it, you must submit rent receipts, a rent agreement and your landlord’s PAN if annual rent exceeds Rs.1 lakh.


Common mistake: Waiting till year-end for receipts. Keep them monthly.


5. Home Loan Deductions

A home loan offers two main tax benefits: up to Rs. 2 lakh a year as an interest deduction under Section 24(b) for a self- or family-occupied property, and principal repayment eligible under Section 80C within the Rs. Rs.1.5 lakh limit.


Joint loans: If the property is jointly owned and both borrowers pay EMIs, each may claim deductions.


6. National Pension System (NPS)

NPS provides an extra Rs. 50,000 deduction under Section 80CCD(1B) beyond the 80C limit. It is a strong long-term retirement option, investing across equity, bonds and debt for balanced growth.


CA tip: Employer NPS contributions remain tax-beneficial even under the New Regime.


7. Leave Travel Allowance (LTA)

LTA can be claimed only for travel within India and only for actual travel fares—bus, train, or air. It does not cover food, accommodation, sightseeing or tour packages.


You may claim LTA twice in a four-year block. Keep original tickets.


8. Salary Structure Review

Your salary structure affects your tax benefits, yet many people overlook it and lose exemptions. Adding tax-efficient components such as meal coupons, fuel and phone reimbursements, a books and newspaper allowance, and a uniform allowance (where applicable) can help optimise your take-home pay.


Ask HR if these can be added to reduce taxable income.


9. Manage Capital Gains

If you invest in shares or mutual funds, plan your capital gains early. Long-term gains up to Rs. 1 lakh a year are tax-free, so spreading your sales can lower tax and help you avoid large, last-minute redemptions.


Early planning helps manage profits and taxes better.


10. Submit Proofs on Time

Missing investment or expense proofs can increase TDS and reduce your take-home pay, so submit them on time. Ensure you provide all key documents, including rent receipts, insurance and investment proofs, NPS statements and your home loan interest certificate.


Timely submission keeps TDS correct and reduces refund delays.


11. Begin Planning in April

Last-minute tax planning can lead to unnecessary expenses, while early planning helps you spread investments, pick suitable products, avoid unwanted policies, and protect your emergency fund.


Tax planning is not just about reducing tax; it helps build a strong financial base. Choose the right regime, claim eligible deductions, optimise your salary structure and invest early. With proper planning before FY 2025–26 starts, you can achieve better savings, a lower tax burden and greater long-term stability.


(The writer is a Chartered Accountant based in Thane. Views personal.)

Comments

bottom of page