Implement development schemes in naxal affected areas: Patil

New Delhi, May 28 (UNI) In view of the growing naxal menance in various parts of the country, Home Minister Shivraj Patil today directed states to effectively implement the development schemes like NREGA, road construction, housing for poor people and power in the affected districts.

Chairing a meeting of senior officials of various ministeries to Review Implementation of Development Schemes in Naxal Affected District, Mr Patil requested the Rural Development Ministry to ensure that the average number of days of employment in the naxal affected 33 districts is enhanced. Currently, the average for these districts is less than half the limit of 100 days prescribed under the NREGA.

The minister said providing housing is the most crucial aspect of development and asked the state governments to ensure that there is a prioritization in favour of the naxal affected 33 districts when implementing Indira Awas Yojna on the ground.

Stressing the need for implementing the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojna for the naxal affected districts, Mr Patil said roads and connectivity were a must to check the naxal menace. He also requested the officials of the Rural Development Ministry to strengthen the monitoring mechanism for ensuring faster implementation of the scheme in naxal affected districts.

In particular, he requested for taking up road construction in the tribal and forest districts of Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand, which are worst affected by naxal violence, on a priority basis.

He also advised the Tribal Affairs Ministry representative to communicate to the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha MPs from these affected districts to make some contribution under the MPLADS Scheme for the construction of hostels for students studying in residential/ ashram schools.

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