March 13, 2014
WB govt seeks EC permission to restructure rehabilitation package for Maoists
Home Department of the West Bengal Government has sought permission from the Election Commission of India to restructure the rehabilitation packages given to Maoists who surrender to the State. The Government wishes to incorporate allowances for healthcare, house rent, and cost of education among various things in these packages. A detailed report has been sent to the Election Commission so that these schemes can be launched at the earliest.
The State Government has proposed an amount of around Rs 2500 as house rent allowance. An amount of Rs 500 per head per month has been proposed as medical allowances for every surrendered Maoist and their family members.
The State Government has also proposed Rs 500 per month as educational allowance to the family of the surrendered Maoists. The same may be increased to around Rs 1500 per month after the student completes the Higher Secondary level and goes for higher education.
The Government believes that these rehabilitation packages will lead to an increased number of Maoists surrendering arms and returning to the mainstream to lead a normal life.
