Those who surrender with arms will be eligible for additional award. There is also a provision for loans if the Maoist who surrenders wants to start some venture.

'There is a provision of cash award from the police. I know she had surrendered before the former SP but I was not there when she surrendered. I don't have any idea about the assurances made to her,' Deputy Superintendent of Police (Home Guard) Suresh Pathy said.

Kandiri is once again living on hope and more assurances as she has been promised a job as a Home Guard member.

'I can't say how soon she would be absorbed in the job but it will happen,' Pattnaik said.

Based on her complaint to the police, Kandiri's husband has been taken into custody.

After her story was highlighted in the media, the administration has once again come forward with the 'assurance' of giving her a house under the Indira Awas Yojana.

'She met me a couple of days ago. I have directed the block development officer of Birsha to grant her an Indira Awas house,' Additional District Magistrate (Sundargarh) Sushil Das told IANS.

While Kandiri awaits fulfilment of the promises from the district administration, she is regretting her decision to return to the mainstream.

'I have gone through a lot of sorrow. I regret choosing this life. I was leading a respectful life with my Maoist 'Dalam' (squad). But here it is a life of thorns,' Kandiri said.

There are others like Kandiri, who surrendered before the police based on assurances but have been running from pillar to post to get their due.

Puspika Tirkey of Mendiakani village in Deogarh district surrendered with arms in 2008 and she too was given many assurances.

'When I surrendered, I was assured many things, such as a rehabilitation package and Rs.25,000. But nothing has materialised so far,' said Tirkey who is currently lodged in Narikarabash (women's jail) of Sambalpur along with three other Maoists who had surrendered.

(Byomakesh Biswal can be contacted at byomakesh.b@ians.in)