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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.

Trump’s 26% tariff on Indian exports: A “Mixed Bag,” says Commerce Ministry


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A few hours after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a 26% retaliatory tariff on Indian exports—calling it a “discounted” rate—a commerce ministry official told news agency PTI that the impact on India was a "mixed bag and not a setback."

Speaking on condition of anonymity, the official explained that a universal 10% tariff would apply to all U.S. imports starting April 5, with the remaining 16% taking effect from April 10. “It is a mixed bag and not a setback for India,” the official reiterated.

The official also mentioned that the commerce ministry was assessing the tariff’s effect on India’s trade. Additionally, they noted that the Trump administration had shown a willingness to reduce the tariff if its trade concerns were addressed.

Trump: "India Not Treating Us Right"

During his “Liberation Day” announcement, Trump praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a "great friend" but argued that India was “not treating us right.” The White House stated that tariff rates would remain unchanged if countries refrained from retaliating and addressed U.S. concerns over bilateral trade.

“Their Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) just visited the U.S. He is a great friend of mine, but I told him, 'You're my friend, but you haven’t been treating us right.' India charges us 52%, so we’ll charge them half—26%,” Trump said.

A chart Trump displayed during his speech at the White House's Rose Garden claimed that India imposed a 52% tariff, which included trade barriers and currency manipulation. In response, the U.S. would levy a "discounted" 26% tariff on Indian imports. However, White House documents indicated that India would actually face a 27% duty.

According to the document, India's simple average Most Favoured Nation (MFN) tariff rate is 17%—much higher than the 3.3% charged by the U.S. With the new tariff structure, a 10% baseline tariff, combined with retaliatory measures, would result in a total 27% tariff on Indian goods.

Meanwhile, the NDA-led Indian government is already in talks with the U.S. to negotiate a bilateral trade agreement. Both nations aim to finalize the first phase of the deal by fall (September-October) this year.

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