Nagpur: In a significant rehabilitation initiative, Gadchiroli Police facilitated sterilisation reversal surgeries for 14 surrendered Maoists in the 23-40 age group, aiming to support their transition into stable family lives after rejoining mainstream society. Police officials said the initiative has shown encouraging results. Of the 36 surrendered Maoists, who earlier underwent sterilisation reversal surgeries, 13 have since had children. With the latest procedures, the total number of beneficiaries has risen to 50.Experts said the surgery success rate is 40% and such persons can start family planning in the next three months, though sexual activity can start after 72 hours of the healing period.According to officials, the sterilisation reversal surgeries are intended to help surrendered Maoists socially reintegrate after leaving the insurgency, where such personal choices and opportunities were often denied as they were forced to undergo vasectomy.The procedures were carried out on March 21 at SEARCH Foundation’s Maa Danteshwari Hospital in Chatgaon in Dhanora tehsil. The beneficiaries included 13 surrendered cadres from Gadchiroli district and one from Gondia. All of them were discharged on March 24 following successful surgeries.After necessary medical screening, the surgeries were conducted in a safe environment under the supervision of expert doctors.The programme was implemented jointly by the Gadchiroli Police, led by superintendent of police Neelotpal, and SEARCH Foundation under Project Sanjeevani.Senior medical experts, including Padma Shri Dr Abhay Bang and Padma Shri Dr Rani Bang of the SEARCH Foundation, along with district civil surgeon Dr Varsha Lahade, oversaw the procedures. The medical team included Dr Shrirang Purohit, Dr Sushil Nehete, Dr Leena Jain, Dr Varsha Barai of Lilavati Hospital, Mumbai, and Dr Nagsen Sakhare of district general hospital, Gadchiroli.Authorities said Project Sanjeevani focuses on holistic rehabilitation by providing healthcare, skill development, employment opportunities, housing support, and access to govt welfare schemes. So far, 72 surrendered Maoists have been provided skill training and employment through industrial partnerships, while housing projects and documentation support are also being extended.Officials believe such measures not only improve the quality of life of surrendered cadres, but also strengthen long-term reintegration and discourage a return to extremism.The programme further provides support through timely disbursal of govt incentives, allotment of land and housing under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and Shabari Awas Yojana, issuance of identity documents such as Aadhaar, PAN, ration cards and job cards, and self-employment training in areas including motor driving, tailoring, beauty services and animal husbandry.Other interventions under the project include women’s self-help groups, medical assistance such as eye treatment under ‘Operation Roshni’, counselling and mental health support, meditation camps, and the organisation of mass marriages.Project Sanjeevani is being implemented under the guidance of superintendent of police Neelotpal, additional SP (Operations) M Ramesh, additional SP, Aheri, Kartik Madhira, and additional SP (Administration) Gokul Raj G. The initiative is being executed by surrender branch officers PSI Narendra Piwal, PSI Santosh Koli, and their team.
