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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.

Three Types Of Credit Card Users

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Credit cards have become an essential financial tool, offering convenience, rewards, and short-term liquidity. However, the way users manage their credit cards varies significantly. Generally, credit card users fall into three categories: those who pay in full, those who rely on EMIs, and those who only pay the minimum due. Each type has a different impact on financial health.


1. The Responsible Payer

The first type of credit card user is the most financially disciplined. This person uses their credit card for various purchases and expenses but ensures that the full outstanding balance is paid before the due date. By doing so, they avoid interest charges and late fees while still enjoying the benefits of reward points and cashback offers.


This is the ideal way to use a credit card, as it helps maintain a strong credit score without accumulating unnecessary debt. However, from the perspective of credit card companies, such users are not highly profitable, as they do not generate significant fees or revenue.


2. The EMI Enthusiast

The second type of user prefers converting almost every purchase into Equated Monthly Installments (EMIs). Whether it’s a no-cost EMI or an interest-bearing one, they choose to spread payments over several months to manage cash flow.


While no-cost EMI options may seem like a good deal, this habit can be problematic because it encourages spending money that has not yet been earned. Excessive reliance on EMIs can encourage overspending, making long-term financial stability harder to maintain. The situation worsens when purchases are converted into interest-bearing EMIs, adding unnecessary financial burdens.


3. The Minimum-Due Trapper

The third and most financially risky category includes users who only pay the minimum amount due each month, allowing the remaining balance to accumulate interest. This practice can be extremely dangerous, as credit card companies charge steep interest rates—often exceeding 30% annually—on the unpaid balance.


Over time, this approach leads to mounting debt, making it increasingly difficult to break free from financial obligations. While credit card companies benefit significantly from such users, their financial health suffers due to compounding interest charges.


Which Approach Is Best?

To maintain financial stability, it is crucial to follow the habits of the first type—paying off the full balance on time and avoiding unnecessary EMIs. While no-cost EMIs may be reasonable in some cases, frequent reliance on them can lead to unhealthy spending habits. Most importantly, paying only the minimum due should always be avoided, as it leads to long-term financial strain.


Understanding these three types of credit card users can help individuals make smarter financial decisions and avoid debt traps in the future.


(The author is a Chartered Accountant and CFA (USA). Financial Advisor.

Views personal. He could be reached on 9833133605. )

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