Development works in Naxal areas to be reviewed soon: Govt

Meeting of top officials of Naxal affected states will soon be convened to chalk out a strategy

The Centre will soon convene a meeting of top officials of the Naxal affected states to chalk out strategy to monitor development works and ensure their speedy completion.

Rural Development Minister Nitin Gadkari said members of Parliament will also be invited to the meeting to ensure their involvement in the early completion of the development works, many of which have been delayed for years.

Gadkari told Lok Sabha during Question Hour that since contractors from outside Naxal-affected areas were not so keen to work in such regions, government was considering a proposal to split major works and allocate them to small local contractors.

"Our priority is for speedy completion of development works," he said.

The Minister said various steps are being taken to strengthen the monitoring mechanism and sought the cooperation of MPs in their endeavour.

Gadkari said even after allocating works to the Border Roads Organisation, many projects remained incomplete for years and hence there was no guarantee that BRO will be able to complete the works on time.