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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.

HSRPs can be fitted in society-sans extra fees

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Mumbai: In a laudable move, the Maharashtra Transport Commissionerate has directed that the mandatory High Security Registration Plates for old vehicles can be fitted in housing society premises without levying extra charges.


The order was issued today (March 22) by Joint Transport Commissioner Shailesh Kamat today, extending the facility for group bookings and fitting of HSRPs at the venue of their choice.


The move is ostensibly due to poor response and low implementation of HSRPs in the state for multiple reasons, as the deadline of June 30 looms ahead.


Accordingly, Kamat has directed the local Regional Transport Officers (RTO) to hold discussions with associations/unions of trucks, buses, taxis or three-wheelers and exhort them to go for the HSRPs.


In places with 25 applications or more from two-wheelers, four-wheelers, autorickshaws, taxis, buses and trucks, the RTO should make arrangements through the authorized agency to fit the HSRPs without levying the ‘home fitment fees’.


The venues can be cooperative housing societies or the place of choice of theassociations/unions as per the convenience of their members, and would be applicable to vehicles registered prior to April 1, 2019, said Kamat.


The Commissionerate admitted that since Jan. 1, 2025, when the drive for HSRP kicked off in the state, the implementation has been ‘very poor’.


The government has appointed three (03) authorized agencies to complete the stupendous task through their fitment centres, adhering to a strict deadline.


However, in some districts, there are very few fitments centres and the public have complained of experiencing difficulties in securing appointments, including through the online process.


The state RTOs have been asked to review the situation in their respective jurisdictions and direct the fitment agencies to open additional fitments centres as required.


Discarding the red-tape, the Transport Commissioner has even authorized the local RTOs to grant approval to the fitment agencies for starting more fitment centres.


As per reports, of the total 1.15 crore vehicles registered in Maharashtra, nearly 10 lakh new vehicles (post-April 1, 2019) are plying without the HSRP, and barely a fraction of the old vehicles (pre-April 1, 2019) have either applied for or are fitted with HSRPs.

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