The government is likely to soon approve the Rs13,742-crore package for the Naxal-hit districts for developing basic infrastructure like roads and electricity.
"The Union Cabinet is likely to approve the Rs13,742 crore integrated action plan (IAP) for infrastructure development in the Naxal hit districts," a senior Planning Commission official said.
"The Plan panel will finalise the modalities of the IAP with the finance ministry on Tuesday. Since there is no Cabinet meeting scheduled next week, the Commission is likely to put up the proposal before the Cabinet by September 15 (Thursday)", he said.
Besides focusing on infrastructure development like drinking water supply, electricity, roads and health services in these areas, the IAP also aims at improving governance in the Naxal-infested districts.
As per the original plan, 35 districts were to be covered under the IAP but during deliberations on the plan, some members of the 'Commission' suggested increasing the number of districts to 60.
Even Planning Commission deputy chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia had said 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 Commission, some members had favoured increasing the area of coverage to 60 districts, while others were against such a proposal saying that it would lower fund allocation to each area.
Those who are for more coverage argue that the problem is not with the funds but with governance that is the key for capacity-building and without which the allocated money will not be absorbed properly.
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