Former Maoist leader Bhupathi joins Gondwana University program

Bhupathi will operate under a three-month contract with a monthly honorarium of Rs 30,000, focusing on the empowerment of Gram Sabhas across Gadchiroli. His primary responsibility involves training Sahayog Mitras, or support facilitators, to navigate the complexities of the Fifth Schedule, the 73rd Constitutional Amendment, and the Panchayats Extension to Scheduled Areas (PESA) Act. He will act as a bridge between tribal residents and the administration, specifically assisting with the documentation required for forest rights claims and the management of minor forest produce.

The appointment follows a recommendation by Gadchiroli Superintendent of Police M. Ramesh, who identified Bhupathi’s interest in tribal welfare after his transition to civilian life. Having spent years operating in the region, Bhupathi claims deep familiarity with the local social fabric, asserting he knows the households and histories of the villages he is now tasked to assist. The 'Ekal' initiative, launched in 2022, has already extended its reach to 1,149 villages and 532 Gram Sabhas. For Bhupathi, the role represents a shift toward working within the existing legal framework, with future extensions of his contract contingent upon his performance and conduct in the field.