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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.

Public funds up in smoke

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Ambernath: Despite spending over 1.32 crore on the construction of an eco-friendly crematorium in Ambernath, the facility remains non-operational even after more than a year of completion. Citizens continue to use the old system and are being forced to pay for cremation services that are officially supposed to be free sparking serious public anger and raising questions over mismanagement and possible corruption.


Local resident Vikas Ingle, while speaking to The Perfect Voice, revealed a shocking experience. “My sister-in-law passed away on June 1, and when we went for her cremation, staff at the crematorium openly demanded money. I was told services are free, but I had to pay, and I even have the receipt. The new facility is not operational, and the quality of construction is extremely poor. It clearly suggests a nexus between officials and contractors,” he alleged. Ingle further demanded strict action against those responsible and urged the authorities to open the new crematorium to the public at the earliest.


Ambernath Municipal Council's Chief Officer Umakant Gaikwad claimed that the new eco-friendly cremation facility is fully functional and free for public use. However, this statement was directly contradicted by the Health Officer Suhas Sawant, who admitted that only one unclaimed body had been cremated during a trial run. He added that operational responsibility still needs to be handed over to a managing agency. Sawant also noted that critical infrastructure such as flooring, construction of platforms, and protective roofing to prevent water ingress is still incomplete.


These conflicting statements have fueled further frustration among residents, highlighting the lack of coordination within the municipal administration. More importantly, it points to possible misuse of public funds, especially since the work order issued on 5/10/2023, stipulated that the project be completed within 90 days. Yet, nearly 18 months later, the facility remains incomplete and unusable.


The delay in launching the eco-friendly cremation system is not only seen as a serious administrative lapse but also as a moral failure, given the sensitive nature of the service one that deals with the final rites of the deceased. Citizens are demanding accountability, transparency, and swift completion of the project to prevent further emotional and financial burden on grieving families.

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