Chhattisgarh Bastar Reports Wave Of Naxal Surrenders As Govt Intensifies Rehabilitation Schemes Under New 2025 Policy
Bastar Range • Naxal Surrenders 2025 • Naxalite Rehabilitation Policy 2025 • Development & Internal Security
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By Internal Security & Governance Correspondent
Covers Left-Wing Extremism, Bastar Development & Conflict Resolution
Focus: Naxalism, tribal areas, rehabilitation schemes, security–development nexus
In a major boost to peace efforts, the Bastar range of Chhattisgarh has reported a sharp rise in Naxal/Maoist surrenders in 2024–25, with senior cadres laying down arms and joining government rehabilitation schemes under the revamped Naxalite Surrender & Rehabilitation Policy 2025[web:128][web:130][web:134][web:142].
Security officials and the Chhattisgarh government say that Naxalism in Bastar is now in its “final stages”, pointing to over 2,000 Maoists surrendering in roughly two years under the new policy and integrated development push[web:134][web:145]. Bastar Range IG P. Sundarraj has indicated that more than 1,100 Maoists surrendered in 2025 alone across the seven Bastar districts, including hundreds carrying cash rewards[web:128][web:142][web:145].
Recent surrenders include mass lay-downs of 208 cadres in North Bastar/Dandakaranya, 28 cadres with a combined reward of ₹89 lakh in Narayanpur, 37 cadres in Dantewada, and multiple groups in Bijapur and Kanker[web:128][web:131][web:136][web:139][web:144]. Officials describe this as the result of a “triple strategy” of strong security operations, intensive development schemes like ‘Niyad Nellanar’ (Your Good Village), and attractive rehabilitation packages under the 2025 policy[web:128][web:132][web:134].
Recent surrenders include mass lay-downs of 208 cadres in North Bastar/Dandakaranya, 28 cadres with a combined reward of ₹89 lakh in Narayanpur, 37 cadres in Dantewada, and multiple groups in Bijapur and Kanker[web:128][web:131][web:136][web:139][web:144]. Officials describe this as the result of a “triple strategy” of strong security operations, intensive development schemes like ‘Niyad Nellanar’ (Your Good Village), and attractive rehabilitation packages under the 2025 policy[web:128][web:132][web:134].
Big Surrenders In Bastar: Recent Numbers
📊 Major Naxal Surrender Incidents (2025, Bastar Region)
| Date / Place | Cadres Surrendered | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Oct 17, 2025 – North Bastar/Dandakaranya[web:131][web:136] | 208 cadres | Carried rewards totalling around ₹9 crore; 110 women; described as one of the largest mass surrenders in state history. |
| Nov 24, 2025 – Narayanpur (Maad area)[web:128] | 28 cadres | 19 women; four senior operatives from Military Company No. 6 with ₹8 lakh rewards each; cadres cited ‘Niyad Nellanar’, new surrender policy & ‘Poona Margem’ as reasons. |
| Nov 29, 2025 – Dantewada[web:142] | 37 cadres | Part of over 1,160 Maoists surrendering in 2025 in Bastar Range; surrendered under Chhattisgarh Surrender & Rehabilitation Policy. |
| Aug 28, 2025 – Bijapur[web:139] | 30 cadres | Deputy CM termed it one of the largest single-district rehabilitations; linked to policy incentives & development works. |
| Oct 1, 2025 – Bijapur[web:141] | 103 cadres | 49 with rewards over ₹1 crore; each given ₹50,000 immediate assistance and covered under full rehabilitation package. |
| Oct 25, 2025 – Kanker[web:144] | 21 cadres | Surrendered with sophisticated weapons; rehabilitated under ‘Poona Margem’ support framework. |
🔍 Trend On The Ground
- Bastar IG P. Sundarraj notes that over 2,200 Naxalites have surrendered in Bastar since 2024, signalling a structural weakening of the Maoist network[web:130][web:145].
- Officials say the latest wave of surrenders suggests that Abujhmad and North Bastar are close to being freed from organised Maoist influence[web:131][web:136].
Naxalite Surrender & Rehabilitation Policy 2025: Key Features
🧩 Core Components Of The 2025 Policy
- Guaranteed Rehabilitation Timeline: Formal policy promises rehabilitation within ~120 days of surrender, monitored by district-level committees[web:132].
- Monthly Stipend: Surrendered cadres receive around ₹10,000 per month for up to three years to support basic livelihood while they resettle[web:132][web:138].
- Land & Housing: In rural areas, about 1 hectare of agricultural land is allotted; in urban areas, housing support or plots are provided[web:132][web:138].
- Reward Money Transfer: Those with rewards on their heads are eligible to receive that money as part of the rehabilitation package after due verification[web:138][web:141].
- Immediate Assistance: Many surrender drives provide ₹50,000 upfront as initial support during the first transition phase[web:141][web:142].
🎓 Skill Development & Psychological Support
- Skill Training: Surrendered Naxals are offered training in trades like agriculture, tailoring, construction, driving, and small business skills to ensure long-term livelihood[web:132][web:142].
- Yoga & Counselling: Rehabilitation centres in Bastar are using yoga, Sudarshan Kriya, and counselling to address trauma and reintegrate former cadres into normal social life[web:140].
- Transit Camps: Safe, supervised camps host surrendered cadres during the initial months to protect them from retaliation and help them adapt[web:132][web:140].
🏛️ District-Level Rehabilitation Committees & Digital Monitoring
- Each district has a Rehabilitation Committee chaired by the District Collector, with the SP as secretary to coordinate security and welfare measures[web:132].
- A dedicated digital portal is being developed where each surrendered cadre gets a unique ID, and officials track rehabilitation status, benefits, and grievances[web:132].
Complementary Schemes: ‘Niyad Nellanar’ & ‘Poona Margem’
🏡 ‘Niyad Nellanar’ (Your Good Village)
- Under this flagship Bastar initiative, hundreds of interior tribal villages (327+ as of late 2025) are being provided roads, electricity, drinking water, schools, hospitals, ration shops, mobile network and banking access[web:128][web:134].
- Naxal cadres interviewed during surrender drives have cited these visible development works as a key factor in losing faith in Maoist ideology[web:128][web:135].
🕊️ ‘Poona Margem / Poona Margham’ – From Rehabilitation To Rejuvenation
- Bastar Police’s ‘Poona Margem’ framework focuses on social reintegration—ensuring surrendered cadres are accepted in their villages and given a dignified identity beyond their past[web:128][web:141][web:144].
- It combines financial support, skill development, community dialogue, and follow-up counselling so that surrendered Maoists do not drift back to militancy[web:141][web:144].
⚔️ Security Camps, Operations & Target Year 2026
- Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai has set a target to make the state “Naxal-free by March 2026”, arguing that the combination of security operations and rehabilitation is pushing LWE to its “last stage”[web:133][web:134][web:138].
- More than 60 security camps have been set up in earlier inaccessible interiors, bringing administration, roads and markets closer to remote tribes[web:133][web:134].
Voices From Bastar: What Officials & Govt Say
| Actor | Key Message | Implication |
|---|---|---|
| CM Vishnu Deo Sai[web:134][web:138] | Says Naxalism is “breathing its last” in Bastar; over 2,000 Maoists surrendered in two years; target of Naxal-free Chhattisgarh by March 2026. | Signals political commitment & a clear timeline for ending LWE. |
| Bastar IG P. Sundarraj[web:128][web:130][web:145] | Describes recent surrenders as evidence that “days of Naxalism are numbered”; stresses role of ‘Poona Margem’ and development works. | Highlights changing ground sentiment among cadres & villagers. |
| District SPs (Narayanpur, Dantewada, Bijapur)[web:128][web:139][web:142] | Say surrendered youth are “choosing education, peace and development over violence” and that family pressure supports surrender. | Shows social & family-level shift away from Naxal ideology. |
Exam Angle: Internal Security & Governance (UPSC / PCS / CAPF / Banking GA)
Key Concepts To Remember
- Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) Map: Bastar & Dandakaranya as historical epicentre of Naxalism; security–development strategy used to reduce violence[web:131][web:134].
- Rehabilitation vs. Hard Policing: Modern counter-LWE doctrine emphasises surrender, rehabilitation and development along with targeted operations[web:130][web:132].
- Policy 2025: Naxalite Surrender, Victim Relief & Rehabilitation Policy 2025 – timelines, monetary support, land allotment, and district committees[web:132].
Possible MCQs
- The ‘Niyad Nellanar’ scheme, often in news, is primarily associated with: (A) Urban housing in Raipur (B) Good governance ranking (C) Integrated village development in Bastar (D) Election funding reforms
- Under Chhattisgarh’s 2025 Naxalite Rehabilitation Policy, surrendered cadres are generally provided: (A) Only immunity from prosecution (B) Only cash rewards (C) Monthly stipend, land/house support and skill training (D) None of the above
- ‘Poona Margem’ is best described as: (A) New CRPF offensive strategy (B) Social reintegration framework for surrendered Maoists (C) Mining policy (D) Tribal forest rights scheme
Mains / Descriptive Practice
- “The Bastar model of combining security operations with targeted development and structured rehabilitation has altered the trajectory of Naxalism.” Discuss.
- Examine the ethical and governance challenges involved in rehabilitation of former insurgents, with reference to Chhattisgarh’s Naxalite Surrender & Rehabilitation Policy 2025.
📝 Quick Revision Points:
- ✓ Bastar range has seen 2,000+ Maoist surrenders in about two years[web:134][web:145].
- ✓ Naxalite Surrender & Rehabilitation Policy 2025 offers stipend, land/house, reward money, skill training[web:132][web:138].
- ✓ Key support frameworks: ‘Niyad Nellanar’ (village development) & ‘Poona Margem’ (social reintegration)[web:128][web:141][web:144].
- ✓ CM target: Naxal-free Chhattisgarh by March 2026[web:133][web:138].
— End of Report —
Sources:
- Times of India, Hindustan Times, NDTV, ANI, Indian Express, regional portals on Bastar surrenders & policy announcements[web:128][web:131][web:134][web:135][web:136][web:141][web:142][web:145][web:138].
- Chhattisgarh government notifications and statements regarding the Naxalite Surrender, Victim Relief & Rehabilitation Policy 2025 and ‘Niyad Nellanar’ scheme[web:132][web:134][web:133].
