Cops to give youths from Naxal-hit areas a taste of progress

The state government is all set to take first batch of youths from Naxal-affected areas for a state-wide tour this month under the scheme Aapla Maharashtra.

As per this scheme, the youths will be exposed to developed places in the state so that they are not influenced by the Naxals to join their movement. Similar initiative was implemented by the police in Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) and it proved to be a success, says police sources. The funds for this scheme have been sanctioned by Tribal Development Department (TDD).

Under the scheme, the government wants to bring around 50 youths every month to show them that development has taken place in the rest of the state. “They will not only be exposed to the cultural development, but also the industrial and religious places of the cities. The idea is to make them ambassadors of state in those areas,” said a police officer, requesting anonymity.

Youths from of Gadchiroli and parts of Gondia will be part of the scheme. “Teenage is an impressionable age and it’s easy for the Naxals to target them to join their movement. The scheme will start from this month. They will tour cities like Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, Aurangabad and Nagpur. It will be a 10-day tour,” said additional director general of police, special operations, PK Jain.

“Such schemes are always successful. The government has sanctioned special funds for this scheme,” said the officer. TDD will only do selection of the youths. Food and accommodation of youths will be taken care of by the government.