New Delhi:
The West Bengal government on Wednesday formally issued a rehabilitation package for Maoists who wish to come overground.
While the policy was put in place earlier, it only became operational now, two days after Jiten Giri, a member of the People's Committee against Police Atrocities (PCPA), surrendered before the Jhargram court.
There are reports that at least eight other Maoist cadres have sent feelers through their relatives about surrendering.
The move also comes a week after thousands of villagers held a march near Jhargram protesting the strong arm tactics of the Maoists and the PCPA and days after security forces killed six Maoists in an encounter in the Metala jungles of the Goaltore area of West Midnapore district.
"Few things out of which the important ones are, those who will surrender with weapons of various categories, they will be given preference. For each category of weapon, a specific sum will be given to them. That has been notified," said Surajit Kar Purakayasta, Inspector General, Law and Order, West Bengal.
"Apart from that, a sum of Rs 1.5 lakh will be given in their name in a bank and they will be able to withdraw that money after a period of 3 years provided they maintain a certain standard of lifestyle. The surrenderees will also be given vocational training which will help them in securing jobs at a later stage. During the training period they will be given Rs 2000 per month," he added.