CM Sai releases 1st instalment under PMAY to surrendered Maoists & victims of LWE

Raipur: In a landmark move to rehabilitate victims and former perpetrators of Left-Wing Extremism, the Chhattisgarh govt, in partnership with the Centre, has disbursed the first instalment of Rs 40,000 each to 2,500 surrendered Maoists and families affected by Maoist violence under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Gramin).
Chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai disbursed an amount of Rs 10 crore and transferred it directly to beneficiaries' bank accounts virtually.
These families comprising of surrendered Naxalites and those affected by Naxal violence — were previously ineligible for PMAY due to certain policy restrictions. However, the Govt of India approved 15,000 housing units for them following a special request by the Chhattisgarh govt under the new policy for surrendered Maoists and their rehabilitation.
Speaking virtually to beneficiaries across several districts, CM Sai congratulated recipients and thanked PM Narendra Modi, HM Amit Shah, and rural development minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan for approving the special provision.
"This is a humane and sensitive decision by the Centre, ensuring shelter for the most marginalized who have either laid down arms or suffered due to extremism," the CM stated. He urged families to construct strong, quality homes and assured all necessary support from the state.
CM Sai also interacted directly with several beneficiaries, asking about their well-being, livelihoods, and families.
Deputy Chief Minister and Home minister Vijay Sharma called the day "historic" and praised the initiative as a milestone in the state's anti-Naxal campaign.
"This special housing package was secured, and the end of Maoist terror in Bastar is now within reach," he said. Sharma appealed to youth still with Maoist groups to return to the mainstream and join the journey of peace and development.
The maximum number of beneficiaries in the disbursement came from Sukma (809 families), Bijapur: 594 families, Narayanpur: 316 families, Bastar: 202 families, Dantewada: 180 families, Kondagaon: 166 families and Kanker: 138 families.