India
7 former Maoists pass SSC exams in Chhattisgarh
The Indian Express··30 Sept
Seven former Maoists wrote SSC exams this year from Chhattisgarh Open School after 210 surrendered arms in October last year. Three, including Geeta Narote, secured first class in results declared this month. Geeta, 35, wants to become a nurse after two decades in the movement. All seven said they held firearms but never fired a bullet.
Prism
What It Means For You
- Former cadres in Chhattisgarh rehabilitation can sit board exams through the open school route used in August.
- First class results may help them qualify for higher secondary courses and vocational paths such as nursing.
- Surrender packages include cash that several used to buy books without coaching centres.
What's Happening
- Geeta Narote and six others from an October surrender batch took SSC exams in August.
- Three earned first class, including Geeta, who studied with a tablet and medical texts in the forest.
- Arjun Oyam and Santosh Achla also secured first class after years inside Maoist formations.
From arms to answer sheets
- The batch of 210 gave up weapons in October last year under a state rehabilitation push.
- Chhattisgarh Open School administered the August papers outside regular school networks.
- Police and former cadres helped some obtain birth and caste certificates needed to apply.
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