After the sixth revision of its “Commission and Rehabilitation of Left-wing Extremists” program in the last two decades, the Odisha government has announced financial incentives for the mainstreaming of persons of state origin who are involved in Maoist activities, irrespective of where they surrender to the authorities.
After the Mohan Majhi government substantially increased the rewards for surrendering Left Wing Extremists (LWE) in November last year, it relaxed the eligibility criteria for the surrender of Maoist cadres. The state police in coordination with central security forces have stepped up their efforts to reduce Maoist activities to zero by March 31, the deadline set by the Union Home Ministry.
“Persons originating from the state of Odisha who are active in the activities of the above organizations outside the state of Odisha will be considered eligible for extradition if their involvement is confirmed by the Inspector of Police concerned,” the notification issued on February 9 said.
“It will be necessary to obtain a no-objection certificate from the concerned state that no rehabilitation facility has been provided to such transferee in the concerned state,” the Odisha government explained the condition.
However, the rehabilitation program for surrendered LWEs will cover persons who may or may not be natives of Odisha but are involved in the activities of the banned CPI (Maoist) in the state.
In November last year, Odisha had revised the reward upwards to ₹ 1.10 million for a member of the central committee, a member of the politburo or a member of the central military commission who lay down arms under the surrender and rehabilitation of left-wing extremists. It is said to be financially better than the system run by Chhattisgarh, currently the worst affected state in India to be affected by LWE.
Similarly, State Committee Member (SCM) or Special Zonal Committee Member (SZCM) or Regional Committee Member is entitled to ₹55 lakh and Divisional Committee Secretary will get ₹33 lakh in case of surrender.
If the surrendered Maoists are a couple, the husband and wife will be treated as separate units and both will be given the benefits of the rehabilitation programme. Earlier this month, State Committee members Nikhil alias Niranjan Rout and his wife Ankita alias Rashmita Lenka surrendered to security forces. For mainstreaming, they would get ₹55,000 each as they were considered separate units.
Financial rewards were elaborated for surrendering firearms depending on their degree of firepower. The government announced that it would pay ₹4.95 crore for the light machine gun, while ₹3.30 crore was set for the AK-47.
With the aim of weaning the misguided youth who have joined the CPI (Maoist) and its front organisations, the government first approved the scheme way back in 2006. It was further enhanced with revisions in 2012 and 2014.
After revisions in November last year, 45 LWEs surrendered to the security forces, with 40 cadres still operating in the state, including a member of the State Committee. LWE movement has been noticed in Kandhamal, Kalahandi and Rayagada districts, said a senior officer involved in anti-Maoist operations.
In addition to the state’s own policy, the MHA issued revised guidelines in 2022 for the surrender and rehabilitation of LWEs with financial assistance and provision of employment and business opportunities.
Published – 11 Feb 2026 22:42 IST