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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.

Sisters Carry On Their Father’s Legacy

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Hopeful of getting a nomination for the upcoming assembly elections, Jyoti Girigosavi reverted to her maiden name Jyoti Eknath Gaikwad, in July this year. Such is the goodwill earned by her father Eknath Gaikwad during his lifetime that his daughters are banking on his legacy to pursue a career in politics. While one daughter, Varsha and is a former minister and currently a Member of Parliament from the Mumbai North West constituency, the other daughter Jyoti is an aspiring politician.


For the Congress party, Gaikwad was a prominent Dalit leader who represented Dharavi in the Maharashtra legislative assembly and in Parliament twice. Hailing from Satara, Gaikwad first contested the elections from Dharavi in 1985 and was subsequently re-elected from there twice. He also held the minister of state portfolios for public health, social justice and higher and technical education during his tenure in the government. Gaikwad’s biggest draw was his accessibility to the people of his constituency. He championed the cause of Dalits and other oppressed sections of society, maintaining a constant presence in Dharavi which has the title of being Asia’s largest slum. He worked to improve sanitation and infrastructure facilities and was the voice of his people in the corridors of power.


In 2004, he defeated former chief minister Manohar Joshi in the Lok Sabha elections. At that time, Joshi was the leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha. He won the election again in 2009 and was the constituency’s representative in Parliament till 2014. At the age of 81 years, Gaikwad succumbed to Covid, in the year 2021. A low-profile politician, Gaikwad was never involved in any controversy and was believed to be a sincere and loyal Congressman.


His daughter Varsha succeeded him in the state assembly when she won her first election from Dharavi in 2004. A former lecturer at Mumbai’s Siddharth College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Varsha is a four-term legislator and was the cabinet minister for school education between 2019 and 2022. The newest member of the family to enter politics is Varsha’s sister Jyoti who is contesting the Vidhan Sabha elections this time. While she may not have extensive experience in public life, she is banking on her father’s legacy and goodwill and her sister’s reach among the electorate.

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