Hyderabad: Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Tuesday distributed appointment letters to 20 former Maoists from Bhadradri Kothagudem and Mulugu districts, appointing them as ‘giri darshaks’ (tourist guides) at tourism destinations that were once affected by Maoist activity. The appointment letters were handed over in the presence of Tourism Minister Jupally Krishna Rao and Malkajgiri police commissioner B. Sumathi. These former Maoists had surrendered to the state government recently.
The initiative was aimed at promoting tourism development while simultaneously providing sustainable livelihoods to tribal youths. The selected candidates had undergone a month-long training in tourism and soft skills. They will now be deployed across the forest, endowment, and tourism departments to serve visitors at prominent tourist hotspots in the two districts.
These locations include Parnashala, the Kinnerasani wildlife sanctuary, Laknavaram lake, Karreguttalu and Thousand Pillar Temple, among others. The giri darshaks will guide tourists by explaining the local culture and history, ensure adherence to forest regulations, and help provide safety and assistance to visitors.
The programme is being implemented through a convergence of multiple departments, with plans to scale it up further. The giri darshaks are expected to eventually become “trainers of trainers” and will impart training to others in at least four more districts in Telangana bordering Maharashtra. Each giri darshak will receive an honorarium of `10,000 per month along with uniforms.
The government has also taken steps to support surrendered Maoists through welfare schemes. Around 99 per cent of them have been provided financial relief in the form of reward payments, while 68 individuals are yet to receive such support. Additionally, at least 53 per cent of the surrendered Maoists have been sanctioned houses under the Indiramma housing scheme.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister made a direct appeal to former top Maoist leader Muppala Lakshman Rao, alias Ganapati, to return to the mainstream and work for public welfare. Stating that the government was aware of his health condition, Revanth Reddy assured that the state would take responsibility for his health and safety.
Extending his appeal further, the Chief Minister called upon all Maoists still in the forests to surrender and join the mainstream, assuring them of security, rehabilitation, and support from the government. He reiterated that the giri darshak initiative reflected the state’s commitment to integrating former extremists into society while boosting tourism and creating livelihood opportunities for tribal communities.
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