Raipur . The hands that once held guns, today hold tools. The paths that once bore the shadow of violence and fear, are now being paved with development and trust. In accordance with the sensitive thinking and clear intention of Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai, a new and positive picture of the rehabilitation of surrendered Naxalites has emerged in Sukma district. A concrete initiative has been taken to make 35 surrendered Naxalites living in the rehabilitation centre self-reliant by imparting them vocational training in masonry.

This training is being conducted in collaboration with the district administration and SBI RSETI. The training program involves 15 women and 20 men. They are being systematically and step-by-step trained in all the essential technical and practical skills related to building construction—such as foundation construction, bricklaying, plaster work, roof casting, and quality standards—so that they can work efficiently in any construction project.

This initiative is not limited to employment training, but is also becoming a powerful tool to give a new direction to the lives of surrendered youth. After receiving training, these youth will play an active role in the construction of both unfinished and new houses in the district under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Rural). This will provide them with permanent and respectable employment, while also addressing the long-standing shortage of skilled masons in Naxal-affected and remote areas. Collector Mr. Devesh Dhruv described this initiative as an important step towards social change, stating that surrender does not simply mean giving up arms, but rather becoming self-reliant and returning to mainstream society with dignity. He added that the district administration is striving to provide skills, employment, and all basic amenities to the youth residing in the rehabilitation center, so that they can live a life with dignity.

District Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Mr. Mukund Thakur said that skilled human resources are essential for the successful implementation of various government construction projects, including the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin. This training will connect surrendered youth with employment and social concerns. Rehabilitated Podium Bhima, a resident of Polampalli, says that he was associated with the organization for almost 30 years, but after surrendering, his life has completely changed. “There are good arrangements for accommodation and food here. We are being trained as masons. Earlier, I also received training as an electrician and mechanic. Now I will be able to work with respect.”

Muchaki Ranvati, a resident of Purvarti, says that she was associated with the organization for 24 years. After rehabilitation, I got training in sewing. Now mason training is being given. We were able to meet our family, participated in Bastar Olympics and also won the first prize. We are getting full benefit of the government schemes. Ganga Vetti, a resident of Dabbarka, said that after rehabilitation, his life has completely changed. The district administration has given him a mobile and mason kit. Aadhar card, Ayushman card, ration card and job card have been made by organizing camps. If there is any problem, the collector and SP listen to it immediately.

Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai, speaking about this initiative, said that the Chhattisgarh government is committed to establishing lasting peace in Naxal-affected areas through dialogue, empathy, and development. Integrating surrendered youth into mainstream society by providing them with skills, employment, and respect is a core objective of the state's rehabilitation policy. This ongoing effort in Sukma district to connect surrendered youth with employment-oriented projects is proof that through sensitive administration, trust, and developmental projects, youth who have strayed onto the path of violence can be given a new identity and a better future. This is the true success of rehabilitation and a strong foundation for lasting peace.