Digital Bridge for Former Maoists in Bastar
In a significant move towards digital inclusion, the Sukma district administration in Chhattisgarh's Bastar region has distributed high-end 5G smartphones to 25 former Maoist cadres currently housed at the government's Naxal rehabilitation centre. This initiative represents a practical approach under the state's rehabilitation policy to ensure those who have abandoned violence don't get left behind in today's rapidly digitalizing world.
Connecting Through Technology
The smartphone distribution occurred under the supervision of Collector Devesh Kumar Dhruv and Sukma SP Kiran Chavan. According to officials, these aren't ordinary devices - each phone worth approximately Rs 10,000 comes equipped with advanced features including a 50-megapixel dual camera and 5,000 mAh fast-charging battery. The devices are intended to serve as more than mere communication tools.
Sukma SP Kiran Chavan explained to media that the basic purpose is to help these former cadres feel empowered and connected to the mainstream. "They can watch cricket matches, movies, and gradually adapt to digital life," Chavan stated, adding that many others will receive phones soon.
Beyond Communication: A Tool for Rehabilitation
Officials described the initiative as both "practical and humane," emphasizing that the smartphones will enable access to:
- Online education platforms
- Skill-development courses
- Government portals and schemes
- Digital payment systems
- Job search opportunities
"This is not just about giving a phone; it is about opening a window to opportunities," a senior district official emphasized. The administration wants rehabilitated cadres to explore self-employment options in agriculture and small businesses while staying updated on government initiatives.
Strategic Importance and Future Plans
The timing of this distribution is significant - it comes shortly after Home Minister Vijay Sharma's November 22 visit to the camp, where he encouraged former Maoists to become technologically empowered. These cadres had surrendered approximately three to four months ago, marking their initial steps toward mainstream society.
The district administration has confirmed that remaining residents at the rehabilitation centre will receive similar 5G smartphones very soon. This initiative forms part of the state's broader strategy combining intensified forest operations with credible alternatives - including housing, livelihood support, training, and social acceptance - for those willing to surrender.
Access to verified information through these devices is expected to counter rumors and reduce the influence of remaining underground Maoist networks. The smartphones will also help maintain regular contact with family members and officials, strengthening the former cadres' sense of security and social inclusion.
As one official poignantly noted, "Technology can become a bridge - from the life they are leaving behind to the life they are trying to build." In Sukma, once a core district of the Maoist stronghold in south Bastar, this digital initiative represents hope for sustainable rehabilitation through empowerment rather than mere financial assistance.
