Sunday, March 19 2006 14:34 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Patna: In addition to showing a 'stick' to hardened criminals, the Nitish Kumar Government has offered 'carrot' to them through a 'lucrative' surrender and rehabilitation policy.

The policy offers handsome cash compensation for firearms surrendered by the criminals and paying Rs 10,000 instantly and Rs 3,000 per month to those giving themselves up to the law, Additional Director General of Police (Headquarters) Abhyanand told sources today(Mar 19,2006).

Besides, two children of such criminals would be imparted education up to matriculation level free of cost as part of the policy, he said.

The rehabilitation package would be worth Rs two lakh out of which 25 per cent would be government aid while the rest 75 per cent would be as easy loan, the ADGP added.

"As part of the rehabilitation efforts, the criminals who do not have their own house or piece of land would be provided houses under Indira Awas Yojna," he said.

As part of the policy, the government has offered handsome cash compensation for surrender of different kinds offirearms as per the rates fixed, it has offered to pay Rs 25,000 for rocket launchers, lmgs and sky pack rifles, Rs 15,000 for AK-47, AK-56 and AK-47 assault rifles and Rs 3,000 for pistols, revolvers and .303 rifles.