Former Maoists in Chhattisgarh pass Class 10 exams after returning to mainstream life

Exam Success

Eight former Maoist cadres in Chhattisgarh have passed their Class 10 State Open School examinations following their surrender and return to normal life. The tests took place in August, and officials released the results last month.

Student Backgrounds

Among the successful candidates is 36-year-old Geeta Narote, formerly known as 'Dr Champa' for her medical work within the group. She left school after Class 6 following her father's death, joined the insurgency in 2004, and surrendered in October last year alongside 210 others led by senior cadre Rupesh. Another successful candidate, 31-year-old Santosh Anchla, dropped out after Class 2 and joined the movement in 2008 before surrendering last October. A third candidate, 34-year-old Ramdhar Kashyap, left school early after hearing warnings about a proposed dam project and surrendered this March. All three now stay at a police facility in Jagdalpur named Triveni Parisar.

Support And Study

After laying down arms, the group spoke with the Bastar Range Inspector General and other police officers who promised backing for their education. The state government provided each person 50,000 rupees through its surrender policy, which they used partly to buy books. A fellow former insurgent named Setu, who previously worked as a teacher in the group, helped guide their studies. Narote now plans to pursue a nursing course, while Anchla hopes to farm and start a business.

Context

Open schooling systems in India offer a second chance at education for adults and school dropouts who cannot attend regular daytime classes. State-level rehabilitation policies for surrendered insurgents often combine financial aid with vocational training or formal education to help them integrate into civilian society.