Plan panel okays Rs 13,742-cr package for Naxal-hit dists

The Planning Commission has given its nod to the Rs 13,742-crore package for developing the Naxal-hit districts and the proposal has been sent to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

"The Planning Commission has finalised the integrated action plan (IAP) for the Naxal-hit districts", Commission member Mihir Shah said, adding the proposal, which requires Cabinet approval, has been sent to the Prime Minister.

Besides aiming to improve governance in the Naxal-infested districts, the special Rs 13,742-crore package would also focus on infrastructure development like drinking water supply, electricity, roads and health services in these areas.

However, Shah did not give details about as to how many districts would be covered under the IAP. As per the original plan 35 districts were to be covered under the IAP but during deliberations on the plan, some members suggested to increase the number of districts to 60.

Even, Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia had said recently that the panel was looking at broadening the area of coverage under the IAP. "I don't want to speak about this (number of districts). We think we would broaden it, but the exact number would be confirmed later",Ahluwalia had said.

In an internal meeting of the panel earlier this week, some members had favoured increasing the area of coverage to 60 districts, while some others are against such a proposal as that would see lowering of fund allocation. 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.