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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.

Turning Income Into Wealth

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In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to equate a high income with financial success. Many professionals pour their energy into building impressive careers, chasing promotions, and increasing their earnings. Yet, here’s the uncomfortable truth: high income alone doesn’t guarantee financial security - let alone freedom.


Your income doesn’t matter if you don’t save a significant portion of it. Lifestyle inflation - the tendency to spend more as you earn more - is a silent wealth killer. The more you earn, the more intentional you must be about saving.


But even saving, on its own, isn’t enough. With inflation steadily eroding the value of money, savings sitting idle in a bank account lose purchasing power over time. That’s why your savings don’t matter unless you invest them in inflation-beating assets - like equities, equity-oriented mutual funds, or gold.


Even when you begin investing, the real magic happens only when you stay invested. Compounding is a powerful force, but it needs time. If you chase short-term market trends or withdraw randomly - treating your long-term assets like a savings bank account - you will miss out on long-term wealth creation. So your investments don’t matter if you don’t stay invested for the right time horizon.


As you climb the ladder in your career, don’t ignore your investments or sources of passive income. These are what will eventually buy you time - and time, after all, is the ultimate luxury.


Don’t confuse your work with your life. Your job isn’t your life - it’s just a part of it.


There’s a crucial difference between being rich and being financially free. Being rich means having money. Being financially free means having both money and time - the ability to live life on your own terms without being dependent on a paycheck.


Let’s stop linking retirement to age, and instead link it to investments. True retirement is when your money works for you, not when you hit a milestone birthday.


Financial freedom gives you the power to make that distinction. Start

investing in that freedom - today.


To summarise:

•Your income doesn’t matter if you don’t save enough.

• Your savings don’t matter if you don’t invest in assets that beat inflation.

• Your investments don’t matter if you don’t stay invested for the long term.


Because being rich is having money. But being financially free is having money and time.


And most importantly, ensure you have a trusted financial advisor for financial planning, investments and insurances. Their education, wisdom, expertise, and experience will help turn your income into wealth.


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

Views personal. He could be reached on 9833133605.)

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