A New Direction for Wayward Steps: Government Weaves a Tale of Development Through Rehabilitation in Sukma

In Short

• Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai Inspects Rehabilitation Center; Engages in Heartfelt Dialogue with Rehabilitated Individuals

• Distribution of Mobile Phones, Housing Keys, and Appointment Letters; Release of the Coffee Table Book ‘From Rehabilitation to Development’

Raipur: In Sukma—a region long plagued by Naxalite terror—a new picture of peace, trust, and development is now emerging. In this context, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai visited the rehabilitation center located at the Sukma district headquarters to inspect the rehabilitation and skill development activities being conducted there on Monday April 13, 2026 .

During his visit, he engaged in a heartfelt dialogue with the rehabilitated individuals, listened to their experiences, and offered them his congratulations and best wishes for starting a new life by joining the social mainstream.

Chief Minister Sai stated that his government is firmly committed to integrating those who have strayed back into the mainstream, providing them with a life of dignity, employment, and equal opportunities for advancement. He remarked that the confidence visible in the eyes of the rehabilitated individuals serves as proof that, given the right opportunities and guidance, any wayward step can find a new direction and a new life.

Chief Minister Sai noted that, thanks to the State Government’s effective Naxal rehabilitation policy, positive changes are clearly visible across the Bastar region, including Sukma. To date, 2,392 Naxalites have decided to abandon the path of violence and join the social mainstream; among them, 361 rehabilitated individuals have already embarked on a new life and taken significant strides toward self-reliance.

He emphasised that the government’s objective is not limited merely to rehabilitation, but extends to providing these citizens with a dignified life, sustainable employment, and equal opportunities within society. At the rehabilitation center, skill development training is being imparted in various trades, such as masonry, tailoring, agricultural entrepreneurship, and vehicle driving, CM Sai added.

He further added that, so far in 2026, 307 beneficiaries have received training, while 313 youths who have returned to the mainstream are also being provided with a monthly stipend of ₹10,000. The district administration has distributed mobile phones to 107 rehabilitated beneficiaries, enabling them to connect with digital and communication platforms and move towards a modern lifestyle. Notably, 115 women are setting a new benchmark for self-reliance through training and technical support, Chief Minister remarked.

Chief Minister Sai stated that, while extending relief to the dependents of families affected by Naxal violence, employment opportunities in government service have been provided to 20 individuals within the Police Department and 95 individuals through the district administration under the compassionate appointment scheme, Sai noted .

During the program, appointment letters were handed over to various beneficiaries, including Mausam Sanjana, a resident of village Dhondra Konta, and Bharat Kumar Hemla, a resident of Nagararas Jagargunda. Additionally, appointment letters were distributed to 10 newly appointed teachers under the Department of Education.

At the event, Chief Minister Sai distributed mobile phones, masonry kits, keys to homes under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, and completion certificates to the rehabilitated beneficiaries. On this occasion, 25 beneficiaries were honored by being presented with the keys to their homes.

The Chief Minister also unveiled a coffee table book titled ‘Badalte Sukma Ki Badalti Tasveer: Punarvas Se Vikas Tak’ (The Changing Face of a Transforming Sukma: From Rehabilitation to Development), which showcases inspiring success stories of Naxal rehabilitation. Furthermore, while appreciating the performances by artists at the Art Center within the rehabilitation facility, he remarked that this transformation symbolises not merely a physical change, but also a profound social and psychological shift.

The event was attended by Health Minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal, Bastar MP Mahesh Kashyap, along with other public representatives and senior officials.