In a significant move towards the rehabilitation of surrendered Naxalites and families affected by Naxal violence, the Chhattisgarh Government has secured approval from the Central Government for the construction of 15,000 houses under the Pradhan Mantri Gramin Awas Yojana (PMGAY). This historic decision, facilitated by the relentless efforts of Deputy Chief Minister and State Home Minister Vijay Sharma, aims to provide a safe and dignified life to those affected by years of unrest in the Naxal-affected regions of the State.

 

The approval comes after multiple meetings between Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma and key figures at the Centre, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan. Sharma had specifically requested housing support for the surrendered Naxalites and their families, who have faced significant challenges in reintegrating into society. Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma emphasised the importance of this initiative, stating, “This step will not only provide homes but also respect and security to the families affected by Naxal violence. Our government is committed to ensuring that these families can live with dignity and peace.

 

This scheme will help integrate surrendered Naxalites and their families into the mainstream, playing a crucial role in fostering social harmony and development in the State.” Under the special housing initiative, the local Superintendent of Police will provide a list of surrendered Naxalites and Naxal-affected families to the District Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The list will then undergo a thorough survey and verification process conducted by the District Panchayat. Once the verification is complete, the District Collector will designate land for the construction of homes, and the process will begin in line with the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana’s guidelines. This initiative specifically targets families whose names were not included in the Socio Economic Caste Census of 2011 or the Awas Plus 2018 list. The Central Government has granted permission to upload these families’ details on the Awas Plus portal by December 6, 2024, marking the start of the housing construction process.