Surrendered militants in N-E to get Rs 4 lakh grant

New Delhi: Surrendered militants in the Northeast will get an immediate grant of Rs 4 lakh each against Rs 1 lakh earlier, and a monthly stipend of Rs 6,000 besides other benefits.

According to sources in the Union ministry of home affairs, this policy was comprehensively revised beginning April 1 to attract more youth into the mainstream away from militancy. The surrender-cum-rehabilitation policy for the north-east was implemented in 1998 to wean misguided youth and hardcore militants away from the fold of militancy.

“Under the revised norms, a surrendered militant will get an immediate grant of Rs 4 lakh as against Rs 1 lakh earlier. Monthly stipend has been raised from Rs 3,500 to Rs 6,000 for three years,” sources said. Incentives for weapons/ammunition have been increased ranging from Rs 1,000 to Rs 1 lakh, provisions for vocational training for self-employment will be provided, funds for construction of rehabilitation camps will be provided and there would be compulsory Aadhaar registration of those who have surrendered.