Surrendered Maoist Struggles Without Rehabilitation Support In Odisha

Even as Koraput district has been declared free of Maoist influence, concerns are emerging over the alleged failure of authorities to rehabilitate several surrendered cadres in accordance with government promises. 

One such case is that of Sirame Mandangi, a former Maoist cadre from Pachingi village under Kumbhari panchayat in the Narayanpatna block of Koraput district, who is reportedly struggling to make ends meet more than a decade after her surrender.

According to reports, Mandangi, who joined the Maoist movement as a



minor in 2004, surrendered before the Koraput police on November 23, 2014, with a reward of Rs 1 lakh on her head.

She was initially provided financial assistance of Rs 1.5 lakh under the rehabilitation package. However, she allegedly did not receive other promised benefits such as land or housing. 

Sources said Mandangi is currently living in a dilapidated hut on the outskirts of her village and is working as domestic help at a local hotel, earning around Rs 200 per day to support her family, including her young daughter.