To tighten its noose on Naxalites, the Maharashtra government is set to introduce a new law to give special powers to the superintendent of police and district collector in Naxal-affected districts. The law will be applicable on any people found favouring Naxalites through speech or distribution of literature among other things.
Inspired by the recent law in Chhattisgarh, the home department is currently studying its draft to form a similar law here. "In all probability, we will be able to send it to the cabinet in the next 15 days and bring it to assembly in the monsoon session. At present, it is with the legal committee," home secretary KP Bakshi told dna.
Sources claimed the law will have provisions similar to those of Conservation of Foreign Exchange and Prevention of Smuggling Act and Maharashtra Prevention of Dangerous Activities Act that empower government officials at the district level to arrest those involved in anti-national activities. Like in these Acts, the new law will give officials the right to arrest the accused for the first three days and later for 21 days with the permission of the additional chief secretary of the Home department.
Bakshi also claimed that the state government, in the last two years, has been able to contain Naxal activities significantly. "We have been spending Rs20 crore annually in each of the four Naxal-infested districts from central funds. The thrust is on development works, including road construction, primary health services, and education among others. These efforts have paid off in inculcating faith among people," he added.
Bakshi also said that the government would soon announce reservation of 5% in government jobs for families affected due to Naxal activities.
Sources said the idea to have a special law was conceived during a recent visit of the home secretary to Gadchiroli, one of the four Naxal-hit districts of Maharashtra.
