Purulia, July 30: Ten Maoist squad members who had surrendered over the past year were today given lessons in knitting and driving as part of the rehabilitation package announced by Mamata Banerjee.

The trainees, including Rajaram Soren, wife Jagori Baske, and Lambadar Majhi, began their three-month training in Purulia under the supervision of the district police.

Three of the 10 were women. Other than Jagori, who surrendered at Writers’ Buildings with Rajaram last November, the other women were Akori Sahis and Shibani Majhi.

“They will be trained for three months after which they will make garments on their own with machines procured through bank loans. The garments that they make will then be sold through self-help group outlets and marketing channels,” said district magistrate Avanindra Singh.

“The men will be given one month’s training in driving four-wheeled vehicles. After that, they would be issued licences,” the district magistrate said.