In a significant step towards rehabilitating those affected by Naxal violence, the Chhattisgarh government, under Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai, is set to provide housing to both Naxal-affected families and surrendered Naxals through the Prime Minister’s Awas Yojana. This move marks the first time in the state’s history that such a comprehensive initiative is being launched, especially in Naxal-affected areas like Bastar.

The central government has also approved the construction of 15,000 homes for these families. The proposal for this housing project was sent to the central government by Chief Minister Sai last month, and following discussions with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi, approval was granted for the 15,000 houses. The Union Ministry informed the state government on Friday about the approval, confirming that these houses will be built for families in Bastar and other Naxal-prone regions, marking a pivotal move towards restoring peace and ensuring the welfare of the affected populations.

This initiative is a part of the state’s broader efforts to combat Naxalism through collaboration between the central and state governments. As part of the ongoing peace-building efforts, force camps are being set up in villages to help create a secure environment for local residents.

The government’s vision is to transform the conditions in these villages by providing better facilities and ensuring safety, which will also aid in the larger process of social integration. The new homes are expected to serve as symbols of dignity and security for those who have long suffered from the turmoil caused by Naxal violence. Deputy CM Vijay Sharma, who played a key role in pushing for this project, shared that he had personally appealed to Union Ministers Amit Shah and Shivraj Singh Chouhan to approve the housing for surrendered Naxals and affected families.

Under the PM Awas Yojana, special provisions will be made for families whose names do not appear in the 2011 Socio-Economic Caste Census or the 2018 Awas Plus list. The central government has set a deadline of December 6, 2024, to upload these names onto the Awas Plus portal.

Once the lists are provided by the district police chiefs and the district panchayat CEOs, the local authorities will verify and survey the families. After this, the district collectors will identify land for construction, and homes will be built according to the guidelines of the Prime Minister’s Rural Housing Scheme.

The announcement of the 15,000 homes has been hailed as a revolutionary step toward peace in the region. Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai emphasized that the initiative is not just about providing houses but about bringing these families into the mainstream of society. "These homes will symbolize respect and security for the families affected by Naxalism and those who have surrendered.

Our government is committed to implementing this plan with complete transparency and speed," he said. Deputy CM Vijay Sharma added that this project would play a critical role in both the development of the state and the establishment of long-lasting peace. "Our government is committed to offering a better life to Naxal victims and surrendered Naxals, and we will continue to work tirelessly toward that goal," he said.

As part of the broader effort to eliminate Naxalism, the Chhattisgarh government has introduced a surrender policy that offers rehabilitation support to those who choose to lay down their arms. Under this policy, surrendered Naxals, as well as families who have suffered due to Naxal activities, will be included in the PM Awas Yojana.

The initiative also aims to give these individuals a fresh start, reintegrating them into society and offering them new opportunities for a peaceful and prosperous future. In summary, this new housing initiative for Naxal victims and surrendered Naxals under the PM Awas Yojana is a historic move by the Chhattisgarh government. It is seen as a key step toward peace, rehabilitation, and the development of Naxal-affected regions, with the first phase of applications to be uploaded to the Awas Plus portal by December 2024.