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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.

Uddhav assures free education, scrapping of Dharavi project

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Mumbai: Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday unveiled his party’s manifesto for the Maharashtra assembly polls, assuring free education for male students, stabilising prices of essential items and scrapping of the Dharavi redevelopment project.


Thackeray, while releasing the manifesto at his residence ‘Matoshree’ in Mumbai, said most of the poll promises are part of the opposition Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi’s (MVA) overall assurances, but there are some points which need special attention.


Thackeray said every district will have a temple of Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.


He also promised to implement the Old Pension Scheme and remove the cap of 50 per cent reservation.

Thackeray assured that the way female students in the state were getting free education under a government policy, it will be implemented for male students as well, if the MVA comes to power.


He also promised free travel for women in public transport buses.


Apart from recruiting 18,000 women in state’s police force, Thackeray said all female police stations will also be established in Maharashtra.


The MVA will also keep stable the prices of essential commodities, he said.


On the Dharavi redevelopment project, the former chief minister said it will be scrapped as the project will have ramifications on Mumbai.


Maharashtra and Mumbai will also have a housing policy keeping the rapid urbanisation in mind, he said.


Affordable houses will be built for “sons of the soil” in urban, semi-urban and rural areas, he added.

Thackeray also said if the MVA comes to power, it will scrap cluster development of Koliwadas (fishing community settlements) and Gaothans (villages) and their development will be done after taking the residents into confidence.


On generating employment, the Sena (UBT) head said his party will work towards creating jobs. Job fairs will be held in each district every three months, he added.


Thackeray also said that an International Finance Centre will be established in the state.


No campaign in Mahim

Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday said there was no need to campaign for his party candidate in Mahim, a seat where his estranged cousin Raj Thackeray’s son Amit and ruling Shiv Sena’s Sadanand Sarvankar are in the fray. He said there was lack of time to hold a rally in each and every constituency of the state. He, however, said the party has approached the authorities, seeking permission to hold a rally at the Shivaji Park on November 17.


“I don’t need to campaign in Mahim. It is my constituency. It is Shiv Sena’s constituency,” Thackeray told reporters here.


“We have sought permission because that is the last evening of campaigning. November 17 is also the anniversary of Shiv Sena Pramukh. Lakhs of Shiv Sainiks come there and they will also come there this year.”

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