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Odisha Revamps Maoist Surrender Policy With Higher Payouts and Weapon Rewards

The overhaul ties payouts to police-certified conduct to coax defections from a shrinking Maoist cadre.

Overview

  • Cadres are split into Category A and B with assistance ceilings set at ₹5 lakh and ₹2.5 lakh respectively.
  • Disbursement is staged with ₹50,000 paid immediately, a ₹50,000 release after one year, and the balance after three years subject to satisfactory conduct certified by district police.
  • Working weapons attract sharply higher payments, including ₹4.95 lakh for an LMG, ₹3.3 lakh for an AK‑47, ₹1.65 lakh for an INSAS or SLR, and ₹82,500 for a .303 rifle, with rates also set for ammunition and explosives.
  • Active surrenderees carrying a government reward of at least ₹5 lakh receive an additional ₹10 lakh as a three‑year fixed deposit, or may opt for the declared bounty if it exceeds the standard assistance.
  • The package adds housing, a ₹10,000 monthly stipend for up to 36 months, skills training, health and ration benefits, and requires detailed disclosures and a public voluntary‑surrender statement, with officials estimating 80–85 operatives active in the state.