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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.

Train Travails

Train Travails
Train Travails

Mumbai’s suburban rail network, the city’s circulatory system, is under strain. On a typical day, the trains shuttle millions of commuters from the furthest reaches of the metropolis into its bustling heart. But increasingly, the system is faltering, plagued by derailments, power outages, and simmering frustration over poor service. Recent events underscore how the network is becoming as much a source of stress as it is a necessity for the city’s 80 lakh-odd residents who use it daily.


Recently, a local train derailed in Kalyan, halting its journey toward Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT). Thankfully, no injuries were reported, but the disruption highlights a growing trend of technical failures within the city’s rail infrastructure while putting a big question mark over the system’s ability to cope with mounting passenger demand. For many Mumbaikars, delays, cancellations and unplanned stops have become a routine inconvenience.


Yet, the problem is not just technical. A simmering discontent is beginning to manifest in ugly confrontations. A scuffle over spare change at Kalyan station ended with a ticket clerk being assaulted by a commuter. The incident has sparked a fresh wave of demands for better security at railway stations, as the staff now find themselves dealing not just with operational difficulties but with violence from frustrated passengers. While this case is an extreme example, it reflects escalating tensions in a system pushed to its limits.


These flashpoints are exacerbated by frequent service disruptions. A power supply failure between Thakurli and Kalyan recently paralyzed operations for an hour, leaving passengers stranded and walking along the tracks in search of alternate routes. Earlier this month, a new timetable rolled out by Central Railways has further angered commuters, particularly late-night travellers. The last trains to Karjat and Kasara now depart earlier than their counterparts on Western Railways, which continue to run services until 1 am. The move has been labelled “step-motherly” by the Suburban Passengers Association, which argues that workers on late shifts are being unfairly deprived of travel options.


The Western Railway network has not fared much better. Between September 30 and October 4, the addition of a sixth rail line between Ram Mandir Road and Malad slowed services to a crawl, with speeds limited to 30 kilometres per hour. Over 175 services were delayed or cancelled, leaving thousands of passengers scrambling to adjust their schedules. For a system relied upon by so many, such disruptions are not just inconveniences - they are daily crises. The financial capital of India, which prides itself on resilience, is finding its patience tested. The local train system, once a symbol of Mumbai’s spirit of enterprise and endurance, is beginning to buckle under the weight of neglect. Its commuters deserve better. What is needed is not just quick fixes or revised timetables, but a comprehensive overhaul of the network’s infrastructure and management. Mumbai’s lifeline is derailing - both literally and figuratively - and the city can no longer afford to wait for a solution.

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