Under the state’s Naxal Rehabilitation Policy, 40 former Maoists are being trained in livelihood-oriented skills at Chougel Camp, marking their return to the mainstream
Published on: February 06, 2026
By: BTNI
Location: Raipur, India
If there is determination in the heart, every path becomes easier. This belief is now being reflected in the lives of surrendered Maoists in Chhattisgarh. The hands that once carried weapons are today learning productive skills, as the district administration works to transform them into self-reliant citizens under the state’s Naxal Rehabilitation Policy.
Livelihood-oriented training underway
Former Maoists, including young men and women, are being trained in four-wheeler driving, tailoring, woodcraft and assistant electrician trades. The objective is to ensure that after returning to the social mainstream, they can earn a respectable livelihood and lead independent lives.
Chougel Camp emerging as a skill hub
The BSF camp premises at Chougel (Mulla) village near Bhanupratappur in Kanker district have effectively turned into a “skill hub”. A total of 40 surrendered Maoists are undergoing training in different courses in batches of 20. Alongside vocational education, basic schooling from Classes I to VIII is also being provided wherever required.
This initiative forms part of the broader effort by the state government to support the Centre’s resolve to free the region from Maoism while simultaneously offering a constructive future to those who lay down arms.
Trainees share their experiences
Forty-year-old Manher Taram, who is learning four-wheeler driving, said he has been receiving training for the past two weeks and is being taught steering control, clutch, brake and accelerator operation. He added that his long-standing desire to learn driving is finally being fulfilled.
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Narasingh Netam said he too is undergoing driving training and feels optimistic about building a better future. Nineteen-year-old Sukdu Padda shared that he has been training for the past three months and is preparing himself for livelihood-based work despite being illiterate.
Kajal Vedda (19) said she is learning tailoring at the camp, fulfilling her childhood dream, while also benefiting from primary education provided by teachers.
Several others, including Jagdev Komra, Raju Nuruti, Birsingh Mandavi, Mainu Negi, Sanau Gavde, Manki Netam, Samko Nuruti, Ungi Korram, Ramoti Kawachi, Manker Hupendi, Dali Salam and Genjo Hupendi, are actively participating in various skill-development programmes.
Health care and recreation also included
Regular health check-ups are conducted by medical teams, and medicines are provided as needed. Recreational activities such as carrom, music and sports are also organised to support overall well-being.
More self-employment courses planned
Rehabilitation Camp Nodal Officer Vinod Ahirwar said that, as per the directions of the Kanker Collector, all 40 surrendered Maoists are being trained systematically in different trades. He added that training in mushroom cultivation, horticulture and other self-employment-oriented activities will be introduced soon.
Through this rehabilitation effort, the Chhattisgarh government aims to replace violence with skills, ensuring surrendered Maoists gain self-reliance and an opportunity to live with dignity in society.
