Naveen Patnaik reviews development issues in Maoist-hit districts

Ahead of the meeting with Union home minister P Chidambaram scheduled for July 14, Orissa chief minister Naveen Patnaik today reviewed development activities in different Maoist-hit districts of
the state.

Patnaik held a detailed discussion with chief secretary TK Mishra and secretaries of departments associated with socio-economic development activities in tribal districts facing the brunt of left wing extremism.

While the state government had recently submitted a Rs 2,400-crore integrated action plan for socio-economic development of five Maoist-hit districts, the chief minister
asked secretaries to ensure proper implementation of welfare
and development schemes to defeat anti-establishment
propaganda by the red rebels, official sources said.

As the Centre was giving stress on development activities as part of anti-Maoist strategies, the officials in the state administration should now gear up to take up responsibilities, the secretaries were told.

The departments like health, education, rural development, works, panchayati raj, food and supplies and water resources had crucial roles to play in bringing socio-economic improvements among the people living in Maoist-hit districts.

As 17 of the state's 30 districts were already under the grip of red ultras, more funds were required for development of these areas, a senior officer attending the CM's meeting said.