On March 12, 2025, the Chhattisgarh government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, approved a comprehensive rehabilitation policy for surrendered Maoists, focusing on their reintegration into society through financial aid, education, employment, and security. Officials announced that the decision was taken during a Cabinet meeting held at the Chief Minister’s official residence.

According to government officials, this new initiative, titled Chhattisgarh Naxal Surrender/Victim Relief and Rehabilitation Policy-2025, will replace the earlier Chhattisgarh Naxalism Eradication Policy-2023, which had been introduced during the previous Congress-led government. The newly adopted policy aims to address the long-standing Maoist challenge in the state by encouraging Maoists to abandon violence and join the mainstream, thus paving the way for peace, development, and good governance.

Key Features of the New Rehabilitation Policy

Under this revised policy, surrendered Maoists will be provided comprehensive rehabilitation support, including monetary assistance, education opportunities, employment avenues and personal security. In addition to helping them lead stable lives, the policy focuses on preventing recidivism by offering skill development and self-employment training.

Chief Minister Sai stressed that eradicating Maoism is a priority for his government, and this policy reflects a strong commitment to that goal. He stated that the initiative would help former Maoists build a dignified life away from violence and fear, while also extending relief and assistance to victims of Maoist attacks.

Officials emphasised that special schemes would be launched to ensure that surrendered Maoists integrate smoothly into society. The government also hopes this policy will become a symbol of hope, encouraging more Maoists to lay down arms and choose peace.

Corruption Probe into Bharatmala Project

In another significant decision, the Cabinet resolved to initiate a probe into corruption allegations related to the Bharatmala road project in Chhattisgarh. The investigation will be conducted by the state police's Economic Offences Wing (EOW). The decision comes in response to complaints regarding irregularities in the execution of the ambitious national highway development program within the state.

Establishment of State Water Informatics Centre for Scientific Water Management

Moving forward with scientific management of water resources, the Chhattisgarh Cabinet also approved the establishment of a State Water Informatics Centre (SWIC). The Centre will focus on collecting, analysing, and managing comprehensive water data, including information about rainfall, river and reservoir levels, groundwater quality, water flow, silt levels, crop coverage and aquifer mapping.

For this purpose, the Cabinet approved signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti. The SWIC will operate using a digital platform developed by the National Water Informatics Centre (NWIC), which will ensure access to reliable and real-time data to support policy-making, strategic planning and water management decisions in Chhattisgarh. Officials noted that this initiative would improve resource allocation, water conservation and irrigation planning, benefitting farmers and industries alike.

Approval of Key Bills and Governance Fellowship Scheme

The Cabinet further approved drafts of several important bills, including the Chhattisgarh State Industrial Security Force Bill-2025, which aims to enhance industrial security in the state. In addition, it passed the Chhattisgarh Cooperative Society (Amendment) Bill-2025 and the Chhattisgarh Private University (Establishment and Operation) (Amendment) Bill-2025, aimed at strengthening cooperative institutions and regulating private universities, respectively.

To promote youth participation in governance, the Cabinet also cleared the launch of the Chief Minister's Good Governance Fellowship Scheme. This initiative is designed to engage young professionals in strengthening policy implementation and governance mechanisms across Chhattisgarh. By involving youth in key administrative functions, the government seeks to boost innovation and efficiency in public service delivery.

A Comprehensive Push for Peace, Governance, and Development

Through these wide-ranging decisions, the Chhattisgarh government has outlined a multi-pronged strategy to tackle Maoism, ensure transparent infrastructure development, improve water resource management, and encourage youth engagement in governance. The newly approved rehabilitation policy for surrendered Maoists, in particular, marks a pivotal step toward achieving lasting peace and inclusive development in the state. The government's commitment to addressing corruption and promoting good governance further underscores its effort to build a stable and progressive Chhattisgarh.