Eight Surrendered Maoists in Bastar Pass Class 10 Exams

Eight surrendered Maoist cadres in Chhattisgarh's Bastar region have cleared the Class 10 examination conducted by the Chhattisgarh State Open School.

The Candidates

The candidates appeared for the test from Jagdalpur, Bijapur and Kanker after dropping out of school at different stages before joining the Maoist movement. The August examination results were declared last month. Bastar Superintendent of Police Shalabh Kumar Sinha said assistance was provided under the government's surrender and rehabilitation policy after the cadres expressed a desire to study.

Personal Stories

Thirty-six-year-old Geeta Narote, formerly known as 'Dr Champa', dropped out after Class 6 following her father's death and wants to become a nurse. Narote surrendered in Jagdalpur last October among 210 cadres led by senior member Rupesh, receiving 50,000 rupees under the surrender policy to buy books. Another successful candidate, 31-year-old Santosh Anchla, left school after Class 2 and joined the Maoist cultural wing in 2008 before surrendering last October. Thirty-four-year-old Ramdhar Kashyap dropped out after Class 2 and surrendered in March this year. Other successful candidates include Yadgiri Kondghatla, Madkam Dulla, Navru Poyam, Arjun Payam, and Ramji Gavde. Narote, Sannu and Kashyap currently stay at Triveni Parisar, a police facility in Jagdalpur.

Context

Surrender and rehabilitation policies in regions affected by left-wing extremism often provide educational and vocational support to help individuals build civilian lives. Passing standard board examinations marks a notable step for former combatants seeking mainstream employment and social reintegration.