top of page

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.

Now, Kamra mocks ‘Viksit Bharat’

ree

Mumbai: Undaunted by protests and clamour to jail him from the ruling ally Shiv Sena, standup comedian Kunal Kamra hit back with a new video – this time targeting the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at the state and centre, as well as right-wing outfits.


The new parody song is “Hum honge kangaal ek din…” which Kamra presented as the new Anthem of a Viksit Bharat (Developed India), comes with a higher dose of satire than the one ostensibly targeting Shiv Sena’s Deputy CM Eknath Shinde two days ago which sparked a nationwide furore.


Without batting an eyelid, Kamra sings it to the accompaniment of a guitar - and peals of audience laughter - and dares the powers-that-be which have summoned him for a probe in Mumbai.


The number has barbs and stings, like: ‘Mann me andhvishwas, Desh ka satyanash’; ‘Honge nange charo aur’, ‘Karenge dange charo or’, ‘Police ke pange charo aur’; ‘Man me Nathuram, Harkate Asaram’; “Hoga gai ka prachar', 'Leke haathon me hathiyar’; ‘Hoga Sangh ka shishtachar', 'Janata berozgar', 'Garibi ki kagaar’; and closing with the crescendo ‘Hum honge kangal ek din...’.


For effect and views, Kamra has strategically interspersed it with videos of the vociferous protests against him, the raw violence perpetrated by Shiv Sena activists at the Hotel Unicontinental (Khar), the naked vandalism, his effigies being burnt at several places.


Not surprisingly, in barely a couple of hours (till 5.30 pm), Kamra’s new video got more than five-lakh eyeballs, 30K-plus likes, and around 2K shares.


The shooting venue or date of the latest video is unclear since rowdy Shiv Sainiks had vandalized The Habitat Comedy Club in the hotel and later a civic squad came and razed certain alleged unauthorized portions there.


Buoyed by support and sympathy from all over the country and outside, the new video virtually mocks and cocks a snook at the Mahayuti allies or the police which have called for a 'grilling' after his tight ‘roasting’ of Shinde.


Currently in Puducherry, Kamra has assured full cooperation and sought a week’s time from the Mumbai Police to come and record his statement in the issue on the boil for three days now.


The Shiv Sena activists continued to slap dire warnings to Kamra and how they would deal with him ‘Sena-style’ if he refused to apologize to Shinde.

Another FIR was registered against Kamra in Dombivli police station on Monday.


Comments

bottom of page