In the first of its kind large scale entry of professionals into government activity, a bunch of 20-somethings hailing from premier institutions such as IITs, IIMs, TISS are raring to swap the security of blue-chip firms for the grave hazards lurking beyond the invisible yet palpable thick red line that marks out Maoist-affected areas across the country. They have traded comfort for challenges and are ready to intensify development work in the 78 worst-affected Maoist districts such as Dantewada, Bastar, Koraput and Palamu. The first batch of 156 candidates selected for the Prime Minister's Rural Development Fellows Scheme will spend the next two years assisting district collectors in implementing welfare programmes across 78 worst-affected Maoist districts.

The deployment of these professionals will be part of the government's measures to answer critics who have long maintained that Maoism cannot be contained by force alone.

Source: The Economic Times