Former Naxalites Masa Tamo and Jaymoti rebuild their lives through a small grocery business in Kondapalli
Their journey reflects Bastar’s transformation and the success of rehabilitation efforts: Chief Minister
Raipur, June 2, 2026/ What appeared to be an ordinary roadside grocery shop in the remote Kondapalli village turned into a powerful symbol of change when Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai stopped there during his Sushasan Tihar visit to Bijapur district on Tuesday.
The shop belongs to Masa Tamo and his wife Jaymoti, former Naxalites who surrendered in October 2025 and have since rebuilt their lives through a small business established with government support.
Chief Minister stepped into the store, interacted with the couple and learned about their journey from insurgency to self-reliance. He purchased a bottle of water from the shop and encouraged them to continue moving forward, saying self-reliance is the strongest foundation for a new life.
Both Masa Tamo and Jaymoti grew up amid severe hardship. Masa lost his father at a young age and never had the opportunity to attend school. In 2007, circumstances drew him into a Naxal organisation.
Jaymoti’s childhood was marked by the loss of both parents. Facing difficult circumstances, she too eventually joined the organisation. The two met during their years in the movement and married in 2021.
Over time, they realised that violence offered no future for themselves or the next generation. In October 2025, they surrendered and chose to return to the mainstream.
Their transition began at the Bijapur Rehabilitation Centre, where they received literacy education, skill development training and assistance in accessing government welfare programmes. Authorities helped them obtain essential documents, including ration cards, Aadhaar cards, Ayushman cards, MGNREGA job cards, caste certificates and bank accounts. Under the Saksham Yojana of the Women and Child Development Department, Jaymoti received a loan of ₹1 lakh, which enabled the couple to start the grocery store in Kondapalli.
Speaking to the Chief Minister, the couple said they are now living with dignity and hope. Income from the shop helps meet household expenses and has given them confidence about the future. They said they never imagined such a transformation was possible, but the state’s rehabilitation policy and support from the administration helped them rebuild their lives and create a new identity.
Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai said the journey of Masa Tamo and Jaymoti represents more than personal change. “It is a reflection of a changing Bastar,” he said, adding that their experience demonstrates how trust, opportunity and institutional support can help people return to the mainstream and lead dignified lives.
