Rajnath Singh, Left Wing Extremist, LWE, Sukma Attack, Rajiv Mehrishi

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday said it is necessary for states to work on a coordinated strategy of security and development so that the confidence of the public in the democratic process is maintained in the Left Wings Extremist (LWE) affected areas.

"Our government has taken various steps with this objective, so that the confidence in our Government has grown in the minds of the tribals and others living in the LWE affected areas. They are coming forward to avail the benefits of Government Schemes," Rajnath said in a review of LWE meeting here.

He said the 'Road Connectivity Project for LWE Affected Areas Scheme' has recently been approved by the Government of India.

"Under this, 5,412 Kms of roads and 126 bridges are envisaged to be constructed in 44 districts of 09 affected States, at a cost of Rs. 11,725 crores," he said.

"In the area of financial inclusion special efforts in the last two financial years, specially in the 35 worst affected districts have lead to the opening of 358 Bank branches and 752 ATMs. 1,789 new Post Offices have also been sanctioned for these districts," he added.

Rajnath said that under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana youth of LWE districts will receive skill training for self employment and Skill Development Scheme is being implemented for the purpose of establishing Skill Centres for training the youth of LWE affected districts of nine states.

"The Deendayal Upadhyay Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY) is being implemented for the electrification of un-electrified villages in the entire country. For the LWE districts special focus is being given under this scheme," he said.

He said that in regard to rail connectivity, a number of projects have been sanctioned, adding that the progress of these projects is very good.

"However, land acquisition is a hurdle because of which many projects have not taken off. I would like that problems and issues regarding land acquisition should be resolved by the States at the earliest so that the projects may take off soon and get completed," he said.

Meanwhile, Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi rebuffed on discussion on deploying Army or Indian Air Force (IAF) in Maoist areas.

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh said the meeting's focus was development, adding that the Home Minister stressed on use of technology in road construction, healthcare and telecommunication.

"Emphasised on key performance indicators for agencies to compare and assess developmental work over time," he added.