Ahead of the PM's meeting with CMs of the Naxal-hit states tomorrow here, the Plan panel today finalised the broad structure of an integrated action plan for infrastructure development in 34 Naxal-hit districts
Ahead of the PM's meeting with CMs of the Naxal-hit states tomorrow here, the Plan panel today finalised the broad structure of an integrated action plan for infrastructure development in 34 Naxal-hit districts, but is believed to be divided over fund allocation.
The action plan was taken up by the panel on the eve of prime minister Manmohan Singh's meeting with chief ministers of nine states to draw up a more effective anti-Naxal strategy following the recent escalation in Maoist violence.
The plan was finalised at an internal meeting of the Plan panel here, where the Commission was said to be divided over the issue of the quantum of funding for the integrated action plan, which envisages developing basic infrastructure like roads, power and drinking water in these 34 districts.
"The important thing is that the plan has been worked out with adequate consultation and it will go to the cabinet for approval," Planning Commission deputy chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia told reporters after an internal meeting of the panel this evening.
Without divulging details about the fund allocation for the plan, Ahluwalia said, "I don't think there is any problem on that score. There will be an interim number." Sources, however, said the panel was divided over the amount of funds.
Last week, Ahluwalia had indicated that the panel was working on a Rs 13,742-crore package for these 34 districts spread over nine states for the next three years.
"If we want to put some money which I think we should in the first supplementary (demands of grants) we will have to give a number. There will certainly be some number that will be put down in the supplementary (demands of grant). If it turns out we wanted more there is a second supplementary and a third supplementary (demands of grants)," Ahluwalia said.
He indicated that besides economic growth, the other components of the scheme include health and skill development
and the ministries concerned would be involved.
Ahluwalia also hinted that the IAP covers issues that relate to improvement of governance by implementing PESA (Panchayats Extension to Schedule Areas) Act of 1996, to empower the tribals with the right to use minor forest produce like tendu leaves and grass.
The action plan would have some direction regarding what needs to be done on the Forest Rights Act.
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