Integrated Action Plan for Naxal affected areas

New Delhi, Aug.11 (ANI): In a bid to address critical gaps in development in the Naxal affected states' focus districts, the Planning Commission of India has initiated the process of preparation of Integrated Action Plan (IAPs).

Minister of State for Home Affairs Ajay Maken in written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday said: "In order to address critical gaps in development in focus districts, Planning Commission has initiated the process of preparation of Integrated Action Plan (IAPs) for focus districts with help of State Government, District Administration, elected representatives and other stakeholders."

The Minister said that a multi-pronged approach has been adopted to improve the pace of development efforts in these districts in order to ensure more effective implementation of schemes.

Listing out measures undertaken to ensure development, Mr. Maken informed that the Planning Commission has developed a Management Information System (MIS) for online monitoring of the implementation of major developmental schemes in 35 focus districts affected by Left Wing Extremism (LWE) in nine States.

"In the year 2009-10, Rs. 4938.96 crore was allocated under 9 flagship schemes to Jharkhand for 11 focus districts namely East Singhbhum, West Singhbhum, Lohardaga, Gumla, Chatra, Hazaribagh, Ramgarh, Bokaro, Garhwa, Lathehar and Palamau."

He also informed that regular Video- conferences/meetings have been held by the Planning Commission with the District Authorities, State Governments and the Ministries concerned to address the problem in implementation of the development schemes in these district with focus on desired outputs and outcomes;

The minister further informed that an Empowered Group of officers has been constituted under the chairpersonship of Member-Secretary, Planning Commission to suggest measures for accelerated development. (ANI)