Final Appeal to Last Standing Rebels by Woman Ex-Maoist Nagpur: A surrendered Maoist woman commander, Sangeeta Usendi, made an emotional appeal to remaining guerrillas in Gadchiroli on Saturday, urging them to abandon their armed struggle and embrace the Constitution. Usendi, wife of former Maoist leader Giridhar, called on the rebels to "not wander aimlessly in the jungle" and instead "join the mainstream" for a dignified life. Her message emphasized the futility of violence, stating that it only plunges families into darkness. Before her surrender, Usendi carried a bounty of Rs 16 lakh declared by Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh governments. Reflecting on her 22 years in the jungle, Usendi said, "I realized that violence achieves nothing. It only plunges your life and your family into darkness." She added, "That is why I chose the constitutional path." Her appeal came as authorities intensified efforts to end the decades-long Maoist insurgency, with only six hardened rebels remaining in the region. Usendi, known as Lalita, was a divisional vice-committee member in the Bhamragad Local Organisational Squad of the Maoists. She surrendered in June 2024 alongside her husband, Giridhar, who had a bounty of Rs 25 lakh. The couple laid down their arms in Gadchiroli before police, with then deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis present. The government’s surrender and rehabilitation policy offers incentives such as financial aid (4–8.5 lakh per person), Aadhaar and PAN registration, bank accounts, housing support, education for children, vocational training, employment, and security. Over 123 Maoists have surrendered in Gadchiroli since 2025, bringing the total under the policy to nearly 800. The state’s push for surrender has significantly reduced the Maoist presence in Gadchiroli.#devendra_fadnavis #amit_shah #gadchiroli #sangeeta_usendi #giridhar
No Delay in MNREGA Payments in Gadchiroli: State Government Confirms Timely Disbursement The state government has confirmed that there are no delays in the disbursement of skilled work payments under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) for eligible workers in Gadchiroli district. The payments are being processed through the central government’s SNA Sparsh payment system, according to a written reply provided to the state legislature. Gadchiroli MLA Dr. Milind Narote had previously raised concerns in a starred question, highlighting that pending payments were causing financial distress for farmers and laborers. In response, Employment Guarantee Minister Bharat Gogawale denied any delays, stating that over Rs 609 crore has been disbursed in the district over the past three years. This includes Rs 378.47 crore for unskilled wages and Rs 231.04 crore for skilled work. Currently, Rs 115.86 crore is being processed through new fund transfer orders (FTOs) under the SNA Sparsh system. This amount includes Rs 21.58 crore for unskilled wages and Rs 94.28 crore for skilled work. For the fiscal year 2025-26, a total of Rs 2,936.85 crore has been allocated, with Rs 2,217.53 crore from the central government and Rs 719.32 crore from the state. Additionally, Rs 1,409 crore from the center for unskilled wages is being processed for distribution, the minister noted. The government emphasized that the timely release of funds under MNREGA ensures that workers receive their wages without interruption, supporting livelihoods in the region.#gadchiroli #dr_milind_narote #bharat_gogawale #sna_sparsh
Three companies banned in Gadchiroli after complaints of substandard seeds, 65 FIRs filed across Maha Maharashtra’s government has banned five paddy varieties from three companies following complaints from farmers in Gadchiroli about substandard seeds. The decision was announced during a state assembly session, with agriculture minister Dattatray Bharne confirming the action in a written reply. In addition, the government registered 65 police cases across the state for unlicensed input sales. MLA Dr. Milind Narote raised questions in the assembly about whether substandard seeds had caused significant crop losses in Gadchiroli and whether action had been taken against the responsible companies. Bharne responded by stating that 78 complaints were received in the region, primarily concerning paddy crops maturing earlier than expected and the mixing of different varieties. A taluka-level grievance redressal committee confirmed production losses linked to these complaints. The three companies whose five paddy varieties were flagged had their sales banned across Maharashtra. Goods worth Rs 2.34 crore—equivalent to 14.03 metric tonnes of inputs sold without a licence—were seized statewide. The government also suspended 372 seed dealer licences and cancelled 520 others. Sales orders were issued against 868 dealers and companies. The minister highlighted that 65 police cases were filed across the state for violations involving companies, dealers, and individuals. The ban follows allegations that substandard seeds led to premature crop maturity and reduced yields, affecting farmers’ livelihoods. The government’s actions aim to address unlicensed sales of agricultural inputs, which have been a recurring issue in the state.#maharashtra #gadchiroli #dattatray_bharne #milind_narote #seed_dealers
