Centre to revive IAP, ready to talk to Maoists : Rajnath

The Centre will revive the Integrated Action Plan (IAP) for overall development of backward and tribal dominated districts in the country and is prepared to hold talks with Maoists if they abjure violence without any condition, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said today.
"We are reviving IAP for the development of backward areas. The Centre also has certain schemes for the uplift of poor people," Singh told reporters after holding an hour-long security review meeting with Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik here.
Government would revive IAP as the economic and social uplift of the poorest of the poor in the country was a priority for it, Singh, who was on a day-long visit to Odisha, said.

He also said that Government is ready to hold talks with Maoists if they shun violence unconditionally. "I want to appeal to them to shun the path of violence and join the mainstream ... Government is ready to hold talks with them if they give up violence without any condition."
"Violence has no place in a healthy democracy," Singh said, adding Maoists should give up arms and come forward for talks.
On the situation relating to left wing extremism in Odisha, Singh said, "There has been progressive improvement on the Maoist front in the state. I have assured the state government that it will get maximum assistance for combating the Maoist menace in Odisha".

Referring to the killing of four Maoists in Jharkhand yesterday, he said the security personnel acted only in self defence.

Asked about the status of police modernisation programme which was stopped by NDA government along with IAP, Singh said, "Police modernisation scheme may be revived in the coming budget."
During the meeting, the state government drew the Singh's attention to the halt in developmental activities in backward and tribal dominated areas due to discontinuation of funds under IAP since the NDA came to power at the Centre, sources said.
At least 15 districts of Odisha had Rs 25 crore per annum under IAP since its introduction in 2010-2011 and had been used to develop infrastracture. Lack of developmental work in backward areas gave boost to LWEs, who do not support any developmental activity and instigate and mislead the poor against the state, Singh was told.