The Surrender and Rehabilitation Policy, 2009 was formulated by the Government of Jharkhand to address the growing menace of Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) and to encourage extremists to surrender and reintegrate into the mainstream.
Background and Need for the Policy
- Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) has been the biggest law and order challenge in Jharkhand.
- Affected districts include Ranchi, Gumla, Khunti, Simdega, Lohardaga, Palamu, Latehar, Garhwa, Chatra, Hazaribagh, Giridih, Koderma, Bokaro, Dhanbad, Ramgarh, East Singhbhum, West Singhbhum, and Seraikela-Kharsawan.
- Post-formation of Jharkhand, significant success was achieved in curbing extremism, lowering the morale of extremists.
- Many extremists joined under misconceptions or emotional manipulation, and now seek to return to the mainstream.
- A previous surrender policy (2001) existed but was found ineffective and unmotivating.
- The 2009 policy was introduced to be more attractive and encouraging.
Objectives of the Policy
- Encourage voluntary surrender of Left-Wing Extremists (LWEs).
- Reintegrate surrendered extremists into mainstream society.
- Provide economic assistance and alternative employment options.
Definition
- Left-Wing Extremists refer to members of organisations declared unlawful under Section 16 of the Indian Criminal Law Amendment Act, 1908.
Eligibility Criteria
- Applies only to individuals identified by the Special Branch as:
- Members of extremist groups or
- Office-bearers in such groups.
Important Note
- Surrender must be voluntary, without any pressure or influence from extremist groups.
- Full disclosure of information regarding the organisation and criminal activities is required for incentives.
- Government-approved incentive package will be applicable.
Authorized Officials for Surrender
- Extremists can surrender before:
- Minister, MP, MLA
- Divisional Commissioner
- Zonal/DIG Police
- District Magistrate
- Superintendent of Police
- Any government-designated officer
These authorities will forward the surrendered individual to the nearest police station or rehabilitation centre for further process.
Screening Committee
- Each surrender will be reviewed by a Screening Committee:
- Chairperson: Superintendent of Police (SP)
- Members:
- District Magistrate
- One nominee from the DGP (Special Branch)
District Rehabilitation Committee
- Formed under the District Magistrate’s leadership.
- Other members include:
- SP, Deputy Development Commissioner (DDC), GM (DIC), Lead Bank Officer, Commandant (Home Guards).
- Prepares a customized rehabilitation package for each surrendered extremist considering:
- Socio-economic background
- Age
- Educational & technical qualifications
- Preference for rehabilitation options
- Feasibility of proposed package
- Can take professional support from NGOs/consultants.
Rehabilitation Package
Financial Grant
- ₹2,50,000 total grant:
- ₹50,000: Paid immediately after surrender.
- ₹2,00,000: Paid in two equal installments:
- 1st installment: After one year.
- 2nd installment: After two years.
- Condition: Only after verification of conduct by the Special Branch.
Additional Incentive for Surrendering Arms
| No. | Weapon/Explosive Type | Reward Amount |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rocket Launcher / LMG | ₹1,00,000 |
| 2 | AK-47 / 56 / 74 / Sniper Rifles | ₹75,000 |
| 3 | .303 Rifle / Pistol / Revolver | ₹2,000–₹10,000 |
| 4 | Remote Control Devices | ₹15,000 |
| 5 | Grenades / Hand Grenades | ₹6,000 |
| 6 | Wireless Sets (based on range) | ₹2,000 |
| 7 | IEDs | ₹6,000 |
| 8 | Explosives (per kg) | ₹2,000 |
Other Key Benefits
- ₹3,000 monthly stipend for vocational training up to 1 year (extendable by another year).
- Allotted up to 4 decimals of land for house construction.
- Up to ₹50,000 grant for house construction.
- Free medical treatment at state-run hospitals for surrendered individuals and families.
- Free education up to matric level in government schools for the individual and their children.
- Marriage grant under CM Kanyadan Yojana for surrendered female extremists or daughters of surrendered individuals.
- If any government reward was declared on their arrest or death, it will be paid to them post-surrender.
- Reward for office-bearers of extremist organisations will be paid as per Annexure-K.
Key Provisions for Surrendered Naxalites and Their Families
- In case the surrendered individual is killed by extremists, the family will be compensated as per Government Resolutions No. 423 (dated 16.02.2006) and 369 (dated 24.01.2008):
- ₹1,00,000 as financial grant
- One eligible dependent will be offered a government job, irrespective of the surrenderer’s criminal history before surrender.
- Self-employment assistance through National/Co-operative banks:
- Loans up to ₹2,00,000 will be facilitated.
- 50% of the interest or a maximum of ₹50,000 will be reimbursed by the government.
- Eligible surrendered militants may be considered for appointment in:
- Police/Home Guard/Special Police Officer positions.
- The DGP/IGP has the power to relax physical standards under special circumstances.
- Life Insurance:
- ₹5,00,000 life insurance will be provided for each surrendered Naxalite.
- The government will bear the premium.
- Group Insurance for Dependents:
- Family members (most of them) will be insured under a ₹1,00,000 group life insurance policy.
- Property damaged by extremists:
- Damage will be assessed by the Rehabilitation Committee and will be compensated accordingly.
- Final approval for any rehabilitation package will be done by the Home Department, Jharkhand.
Clawback Clause (In Case of Re-Offending)
- If the surrendered Naxalite rejoins extremist activities, all benefits under the rehabilitation package will be automatically forfeited by the government or bank (if loans are unpaid).
- The state government will decide whether the individual is involved in such activities.
Judicial and Legal Support
- Serious criminal cases will be prosecuted as per law.
- For minor offenses, plea bargaining is available.
- Government will provide a free legal counsel to surrendered militants.
- Under appropriate legal conditions, the person may be:
- Made a government witness (Approver).
- Special legal procedures will apply if the individual is a woman or minor.
- Fast Track Courts will be established to expedite pending cases against surrendered militants.
- If the reason for joining extremism was a pending land dispute, such cases will be prioritized in courts for resolution.
Important Clarification
- If both husband and wife surrender, they will be considered one unit for rehabilitation, excluding:
- Surrendered weapons, explosives, ammunition, etc.
- Announced rewards on their heads.
- Annual review of the policy will be conducted by the state government, with revisions made if required.
- The government holds the authority to amend provisions under special circumstances.
Reward Classification (as per 2009 policy)
| Category | Position in Organization | Reward (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| A | Politburo/Central Committee Member | ₹12,00,000 |
| B | Alternate Central Committee Member | ₹10,00,000 |
| C | Regional Bureau/Special Area Committee/State Committee Member | ₹10,00,000 |
| D | Alternate Special Area/State Committee Member | ₹8,00,000 |
| E | Regional Committee Member | ₹7,00,000 |
| F | Zonal Committee Member | ₹6,00,000 |
| G | Sub-Zonal Committee Member | ₹5,00,000 |
| H | Area Commander/LOC Member | ₹3,00,000 |
| I | LGS Squad Commander | ₹1,00,000 |
| J | LGS Squad Member | ₹30,000 |
Major Changes Introduced in 2015 Policy
To enhance the 2009 policy, the 2015 revision introduced several major changes:
1. Categorization of Surrendered Naxalites
- Two categories were introduced:
- Category ‘A’: Zonal Commanders and above.
- Total ₹5,00,000 rehabilitation grant.
- ₹1,00,000 paid immediately.
- Remaining ₹4,00,000 in two equal installments:
- First after 1 year
- Second after 2 years
- Disbursement based on Special Branch report on post-surrender conduct.
- Category ‘B’: Below Zonal Commander.
- Total ₹2,50,000 grant.
- ₹50,000 paid immediately.
- Remaining ₹2,00,000 paid in 2 installments (after 1 and 2 years respectively), contingent upon Special Branch verification.
- Category ‘A’: Zonal Commanders and above.
2. Vocational Training
- Surrendered Naxals receive vocational training with a monthly stipend of ₹5,000 for 1 year.
- Duration extendable by 1 more year under special circumstances.
3. Educational Support
- For surrendered militants or their children:
- Annual educational assistance up to ₹25,000 for undergraduate education.
- Paid quarterly, directly to institutions in advance.
4. Legal Assistance
- On the basis of good conduct, the cost of legal defense may be reimbursed upon recommendation from the DGP to the Home Department.
Revised Reward Structure (2015 Amendment)
| Position in Organization | Revised Reward (₹) |
|---|---|
| Central Committee Secretary/Politburo Member/Special Area Committee | ₹25,00,000 |
| Member/Regional Bureau/CCM/CMC | ₹15,00,000 |
| Regional Committee Member | ₹10,00,000 |
| Zonal Committee Member | ₹5,00,000 |
| Sub-Zonal Committee Member | ₹5,00,000 |
| Sub-Zonal Committee (other level) | ₹2,00,000 |
| Area Committee Commander/Squad Leader | ₹1,00,000 |
| LGS Squad Member, Dalam/LOS/KKC Member | ₹1,00,000 |
Note: In September 2015, the reward for Central Committee Secretary/Politburo Member/CCM was increased from ₹25 lakh to ₹1 crore.
Categorization and Financial Rehabilitation Package
- Naxals are categorized into two levels:
- Category ‘A’: Includes Zonal Commanders and above.
- Total rehabilitation grant: ₹6,00,000
- ₹2,00,000 paid immediately after surrender.
- ₹4,00,000 in two equal installments:
- 1st installment after 1 year
- 2nd installment after 2 years
- Payments subject to verification by Special Branch.
- Category ‘B’: Below Zonal Commander level.
- Total rehabilitation grant: ₹3,00,000
- ₹1,00,000 paid immediately
- ₹2,00,000 in two equal installments over two years, post-verification.
- Category ‘A’: Includes Zonal Commanders and above.
Rewards for Surrender of Weapons and Explosives
Surrendering of functional firearms, explosives, and related equipment is incentivized as follows:
| Type of Weapon/Explosive | Reward Amount (₹) |
|---|---|
| Rocket Launcher / LMG | 1,00,000 |
| AK-47/56/74 / Sniper Rifle | 75,000 |
| 303 Rifle / Pistol / Revolver | 15,000 |
| Remote Control Devices | 2,000–10,000 |
| Grenade / Hand Grenade | 6,000 |
| Wireless Sets (Range-based) | 2,000 |
| IED | 6,000 |
| Explosives (per kg) | 2,000 |
Vocational Training and Livelihood Support
- Surrendered individuals can opt for skill training at government skill development centers based on their interest and aptitude.
- Alternatively, a stipend of ₹6,000/month for up to 1 year (extendable by another year under special circumstances) is provided for vocational training.
Housing Assistance
- Up to 4 decimal of land is allotted for house construction.
- If eligible under PMAY (Gramin/Urban), priority allotment is provided.
- If not eligible, the monetary equivalent under PMAY is provided based on the location (rural/urban).
Health and Education Benefits
- Free medical care for the surrendered Naxalite and their family at all government health institutions in the state.
- Education support up to graduation level:
- Maximum ₹40,000 annually (including hostel & other fees).
- Paid quarterly in advance to educational institutions.
Women and Family-Centric Benefits
- Grant for marriage of female Naxals or daughters of surrendered Naxals under the Mukhyamantri Kanyadaan Yojana.
- Declared bounty on the surrenderer’s head is paid to them post-surrender.
- Benefits under this provision also extend to those who had bounties as organization office bearers.
Security and Financial Inclusion
- If a surrendered Naxal is killed by other Naxals, their family receives:
- Death compensation as per policies for civilian victims.
- Government job to an eligible dependent.
- Support in obtaining self-employment loans up to ₹4,00,000 from nationalized/co-operative banks.
- Interest subsidy of up to 50%, capped at ₹1,00,000.
Employment in Security Services
- Those meeting physical standards may be considered for recruitment as:
- Police personnel
- Home Guards
- Special Police Officers
- DGP/IGP may relax physical standards under special circumstances.
Insurance Benefits
- Life insurance of ₹5,00,000 for the surrendered Naxal.
- Group insurance of ₹1,00,000 for family members.
Property Damage Compensation
- If the surrendered person’s property is damaged by Naxals, compensation is paid as assessed by the Rehabilitation Committee.
Final Approval & Forfeiture Clause
- All benefits are subject to final approval by the Home Department, Jharkhand.
- If the person returns to extremist activities, all benefits can be:
- Automatically forfeited by the State Government or banks.
- Assessment and decision by District Rehabilitation Committee based on input from the Special Branch.
Judicial Provisions
- Pending heinous criminal cases will be dealt with as per the law.
- For other crimes, the Plea Bargaining option is available.
- Transfer to Open Jail-cum-Rehabilitation Centre can be requested.
- In suitable cases, the government may make the person an Approver or initiate legal action for women/minors as per law.
Rental Allowance in Absence of Allotted Land
- If government land is not provided, the surrendered person/family is entitled to ₹1,500 per month rent.
- Payable until land or free housing is provided, or for a maximum of 10 years.
Fast Track Legal Mechanism
- Special courts (Fast Track) will be established to expedite pending cases against surrendered Naxals.
Resolution of Land Disputes
- If land disputes were the root cause of a person’s involvement in Naxalism, such disputes will be resolved on priority.
Key Highlights for Exams and Governance
- High cash incentives (up to ₹6 lakh)
- Weapon-wise surrender rewards
- Free education and medical facilities
- Priority in housing through PMAY or land allotment
- Employment in police/home guard possible
- Fast-track courts and plea bargaining options
- Insurance cover up to ₹5 lakh for surrenderer, ₹1 lakh for family
- ₹1,500/month rent for up to 10 years if land not provided
- Loans with partial interest subsidy
The Government of Jharkhand revised its Surrender and Rehabilitation Policy for Left-Wing Extremists in 2018 to make it more attractive and holistic. The policy includes financial incentives, livelihood support, security, education, housing, and legal reforms for surrendered naxals.
Important Clarifications
- If both spouses surrender together, they will be counted as one unit under the rehabilitation package, excluding the surrendered weapons or bounty value.
- The state government will review the implementation annually and is empowered to modify provisions as per special circumstances.
Bounty Amounts for Surrender of High-Ranking Maoist Leaders
Below is the bounty list (Annexure-1) payable upon voluntary surrender:
| Rank in Naxal Organization | Reward (INR) |
|---|---|
| Central Committee Secretary / Politburo / Central Committee Member | ₹1,00,00,000 |
| Special Area Committee / Regional Bureau Member | ₹25,00,000 |
| Regional Committee Member | ₹15,00,000 |
| Zonal Committee Member | ₹10,00,000 |
| Sub-Zonal Committee Member | ₹5,00,000 |
| Area/Dasta Commander | ₹2,00,000 |
| LGS Dasta / LOS / KKD Member | ₹1,00,000 |
Highlighted: Central leadership figures attract up to ₹1 crore bounty upon surrender.
Compensation to Civilians Affected by Naxal Violence
As per the 2006 resolution by the Jharkhand Government:
- Next of kin of civilians killed in extremist violence: ₹1,00,000 compensation.
- Permanently disabled civilians: ₹50,000 compensation.
- Seriously injured civilians: Free treatment in government or government-aided hospitals + possible grants.
Ex-gratia for Police and Government Servants Killed in Line of Duty
- State Police or Government Servants killed during anti-Naxal operations: ₹10,00,000.
- Central Paramilitary Forces:
- ₹7,50,000 by the Central Government.
- ₹2,50,000 by the State Government (Jharkhand).
- Total Compensation: ₹10,00,000 (to maintain parity with state forces).
One-Time Grants to Gallantry Award-Winning Soldiers from Jharkhand
Jharkhand Government provides lump-sum monetary awards to soldiers from the state honored with gallantry awards:
| Award Name | Amount (INR) |
|---|---|
| Param Vir Chakra | ₹30,00,000 |
| Ashok Chakra | ₹20,00,000 |
| Maha Vir Chakra | ₹20,00,000 |
| Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal | ₹12,00,000 |
| Kirti Chakra | ₹10,00,000 |
| Vir Chakra | ₹10,00,000 |
| Param Vishisht Seva Medal | ₹8,00,000 |
| Shaurya Chakra | ₹7,50,000 |
| Uttam Yudh Seva Medal | ₹7,00,000 |
| Yudh Seva Medal | ₹5,00,000 |
| Ati Vishisht Seva Medal | ₹4,00,000 |
| Army/Navy/Air Force Medal | ₹3,00,000 |
| Vishisht Seva Medal | ₹2,00,000 |
| Mention-in-Dispatch | ₹1,00,000 |
🏅 Highlighted: Highest civilian bravery award recipients like Param Vir Chakra awardees are granted ₹30 lakhs.
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