Raipur. In a remarkable example of transformation and rehabilitation, 30 surrendered Maoists from Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur district are beginning a new chapter of life — not in the forests, but in the hospitality industry. These former rebels, once caught in the cycle of violence, are now being trained as Guest Service Associates under the Chief Minister’s Skill Development Scheme (CMSDS).
The training, organized at the Livelihood College in Adawal near Jagdalpur, aims to integrate these individuals back into mainstream society by equipping them with professional skills that can lead to sustainable livelihoods. The initiative is a part of Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai’s vision to promote peace and prosperity in Bastar through skill development and employment.
Training for Transformation: From Forests to Hotels
The three-month training program focuses on customer service, hospitality management, and soft skills. Participants are being taught communication etiquette, front-office operations, and the basics of hotel management. The goal is to help them work confidently in hotels, resorts, and homestays across Bastar, a region rich in natural beauty and tourism potential.
For these rehabilitated youth, this is more than just a course—it’s a pathway to dignity and freedom. The training symbolizes a shift from a life of uncertainty and violence to one of opportunity and self-reliance.
Voices of Change: “True Freedom Lies Here”
Ramu (name changed), one of the participants, shared his story with emotion:
“Life in the forests was filled with pain and fear. Here, I’ve learned that real freedom lies in building something through hard work. Now I want to make my family proud.”
Such stories highlight the impact of government-led rehabilitation programs, offering real hope for a peaceful and empowered Bastar.
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Government’s Vision: Rehabilitation through Empowerment
Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai and State Home Minister Vijay Sharma expressed satisfaction over the positive outcomes of the rehabilitation policy. They emphasized that this initiative is helping youth return to the mainstream, providing them with not just employment but also a sense of belonging and purpose.
According to Home Minister Sharma:
“This is the result of our sensitive rehabilitation policy. By providing skill training and job opportunities, we are reconnecting these youth with society. Bastar’s rich natural heritage can offer sustainable employment through tourism and hospitality.”
The government’s rehabilitation and skill development policies are thus not only transforming lives but also contributing to the growth of Chhattisgarh’s tourism sector, attracting visitors to the scenic landscapes and cultural richness of Bastar.
Toward a Naxal-Free Bastar
The Chief Minister’s Skill Development Scheme has already empowered thousands of young people across the state. Its success in Bastar demonstrates how strategic rehabilitation, combined with skill-based education, can serve as a model for peace and progress.
By enabling surrendered Maoists to earn livelihoods through legitimate and dignified means, the government is paving the way for a Naxal-free Bastar, where development replaces destruction, and employment replaces extremism.
This inspiring transformation story reflects how compassion, opportunity, and governance can come together to reshape the destiny of an entire region.
