IAP to extend its orbit beyond Naxal-hit area

New Delhi, Aug 7: Integrated Action Plan (IAP) for Naxal-hit districts would be widened to include even backward districts which are not in the grip of Naxalism, said the Plan panel on Saturday, Aug 7.

"We are really thinking of IAP for poor and backward districts which includes 35 naxal districts. Don't think it makes sense to have 'Integrated Action Plan' only for Naxal-hit districts," said Plan Commission deputy chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia.

The Planning Commission had recently approved the Rs 13,742 crore package for developing the Naxal-hit districts and the proposal had been sent to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

The special package would also focus on various development like drinking water supply, electricity, roads and health services beside aiming to improve governance in the Naxal-infested districts.

Those who are for more coverage argue that the problem is not with funds but improvement in governance which is the key for capacity-building, without which the allocated money will not be absorbed properly.

The other view was that with the increase in the number of districts under the action plan, the amount of fund allocation for each district would come down.

OneIndia News