Bhubaneswar, Odisha – In a decisive move aimed at curbing left-wing extremism (LWE) in the state, the Odisha government has announced a comprehensive revision of its Maoist surrender and rehabilitation policy. The updated policy significantly increases financial assistance, enhances rewards for surrendered weapons, and provides a structured framework to reintegrate former Maoist cadres into mainstream society. The revised initiative reflects the state’s commitment to not only address the security challenges posed by extremist elements but also to offer sustainable livelihood opportunities to those who choose to abandon insurgency.

The Home Department of Odisha, in an official notification issued on Thursday, outlined the objectives and operational mechanisms of the revised policy. According to the notification, the primary aim of the surrender and rehabilitation scheme is to contain and ultimately eradicate left-wing extremism in Odisha by encouraging hardcore LWE cadres to lay down arms and reintegrate into society. The government stressed that the policy is designed to prevent recidivism by providing surrendered cadres with financial support, employment, and opportunities for entrepreneurship, thereby addressing the socio-economic vulnerabilities that often drive individuals toward extremist activities.

A notable feature of the revised policy is the classification of surrendered cadres into two distinct categories: Category A and Category B. Category A comprises high-ranking Maoist leaders, including central committee secretaries, central military commission chiefs, politburo members, central committee members, state committee members or their equivalents, as well as special zonal committee members and regional committee members. These individuals represent the leadership and strategic core of the Maoist network and their surrender is seen as critical to weakening organizational structures.

Category B, on the other hand, encompasses lower-ranking cadres, such as divisional committee secretaries, military platoon commanders, divisional committee members, area committee secretaries, and area committee members. While these cadres may not hold top-tier leadership positions, their active participation in operations and grassroots mobilization contributes significantly to the functioning of extremist networks. By offering differentiated incentives and support measures based on rank, the policy aims to maximize the effectiveness of rehabilitation efforts.

Financial assistance under the revised policy has been considerably enhanced to encourage surrender. For Category A cadres, the maximum assistance has been increased from the earlier ceiling of ₹2.5 lakh to ₹5 lakh. Category B cadres will now receive ₹2.5 lakh, reflecting their comparatively lower rank but acknowledging the risks and sacrifices associated with their surrender. In addition to this base financial aid, the policy offers substantial rewards for surrendered weapons, particularly those in working condition. Maoists who surrender firearms such as light machine guns, AK-47 rifles, SLR/INSAS rifles, and .303 rifles, along with live ammunition and explosives, are eligible to receive ₹4.95 lakh as part of the enhanced assistance package.

An innovative aspect of the revised scheme is the additional financial incentive for active Naxalites who have bounties of ₹5 lakh or more on their heads. Such individuals will be eligible for a further lump sum of ₹10 lakh, which will be deposited in a fixed deposit account in the name of the surrendered cadre by the respective district Superintendent of Police (SP). While the principal amount remains in the bank, the interest generated will be made available to the individual, ensuring a steady income stream. After three years from the date of the deposit, the principal amount will be released in a lump sum, contingent on the satisfactory behavior and conduct of the surrendered cadre. The decision on this will rest with the Surrender and Rehabilitation Committee, based on recommendations from the district SP. This mechanism not only encourages compliance but also instills a sense of financial security for reintegration.

The government’s decision to revise the surrender and rehabilitation policy is part of a broader strategy to weaken left-wing extremism in the state, which has historically been concentrated in certain tribal and remote regions. By focusing on both financial and social rehabilitation, Odisha aims to provide a viable exit path for those who wish to renounce violence, thereby disrupting the operational capacity of Maoist networks. Officials emphasize that the success of the policy depends not just on monetary incentives but also on creating an environment where former insurgents can rebuild their lives with dignity and social acceptance.

The state has also emphasized skill development, employment, and entrepreneurial opportunities for surrendered cadres. These measures are intended to address the socio-economic roots of extremism, providing sustainable alternatives to violence. For instance, individuals may be supported to start small businesses, engage in agriculture, or pursue vocational training, enabling them to integrate into local economies. In addition, the policy aims to involve community stakeholders and local administrations in facilitating the reintegration process, ensuring that surrendered individuals do not face stigma or isolation, which could otherwise push them back toward extremist groups.

Experts in counter-insurgency strategies have noted that Odisha’s revised policy is among the more comprehensive approaches in the country. By combining financial rewards with structured reintegration support, the state is addressing both the immediate and long-term challenges of LWE. Encouraging high-ranking cadres to surrender can have a multiplier effect, as their departure may influence lower-ranking members to follow suit, thereby gradually dismantling organizational hierarchies.

Security officials have underlined that the policy will be implemented with close monitoring and strict verification processes. Surrendered cadres will be evaluated for their past activities, current intentions, and potential risks. Only those who genuinely commit to abandoning extremism will receive full benefits, including financial incentives and social rehabilitation. The Surrender and Rehabilitation Committee, in coordination with district police authorities, will play a pivotal role in assessing applications, monitoring compliance, and ensuring that the scheme is not misused.

The revised policy also sends a broader message about Odisha’s approach to internal security. By providing a structured exit strategy, the state demonstrates a preference for dialogue and reintegration over purely coercive measures. This approach is expected to reduce violence in LWE-affected regions, facilitate peacebuilding, and enable government authorities to focus on developmental initiatives for tribal and economically marginalized communities.

In addition to financial incentives and weapon surrender rewards, the government plans to integrate surrendered cadres into mainstream social and economic life through targeted schemes. These may include educational support for the cadre and their families, healthcare services, and access to housing schemes. By addressing multiple dimensions of reintegration, Odisha seeks to create a holistic support system that mitigates the risks of recidivism and promotes sustainable rehabilitation.

Overall, the revised Maoist surrender and rehabilitation policy represents a strategic blend of security, social policy, and economic incentives. It reflects the state government’s recognition that the fight against left-wing extremism is not solely a matter of policing but requires addressing the underlying socio-economic grievances that feed insurgency. By offering higher financial aid, structured weapon surrender rewards, and long-term reintegration support, Odisha aims to encourage a significant number of Maoist cadres to surrender voluntarily, thereby contributing to lasting peace and security in the state.

Officials in the Home Department have expressed optimism that the updated policy will lead to a tangible reduction in LWE-related activities. The combination of monetary incentives, structured reintegration programs, and community-based support is expected to create conditions conducive to the rehabilitation of former cadres and their families. Furthermore, the state hopes that successful reintegration stories will encourage others still involved in extremism to surrender, creating a virtuous cycle that weakens insurgent networks and promotes social cohesion.

In conclusion, Odisha’s revised Maoist surrender and rehabilitation policy is a forward-looking initiative that balances enforcement with incentives, aiming to bring about meaningful change in the state’s approach to countering left-wing extremism. By enhancing financial aid, offering structured rewards for surrendered weapons, and facilitating long-term reintegration through employment and skill development, the government is providing a clear pathway for Naxalites to rejoin mainstream society. The policy underscores the state’s commitment to eradicating extremism while simultaneously fostering social and economic rehabilitation, ultimately contributing to the larger goal of peace, security, and inclusive development across Odisha.