New Delhi: Enthused by the success of its
development plan in Jharkhand`s Maoist-hit Saranda region, the
Centre has now decided to replicate the model in other tribal-
dominated areas of the eastern state.
The rechristened Saranda Development Plan, at present, is
being implemented in the tribal areas of West Singhbhum
district`s Saranda region, which was liberated by security
forces last year after 11 years of unrest.
During a recent review meeting of the plan chaired by
Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh in Ranchi, Jharkhand
government officials had demanded that it should be
implemented in the under-developed periphery of Saranda
forests, Maoist-hit Saryu forest areas in Latehar district and
Jhumra Hills in Bokaro district.
"We must consolidate on success of security operations,"
Ramesh said, in agreement of their demand.
The minister said the plan, previously known as Saranda
Action Plan, will now be called Saranda Development Plan as
the word action gives out a "wrong message" in tribal areas.
Expressing satisfaction over the implementation of the Rs
250-crore plan targeting 7,000 tribal families in 54 Maoist-
hit villages in Manoharpur block of the region, Ramesh said it
would be replicated in other liberated areas of Jharkhand and
asked the state government to send the proposal.
As part of the plan, the Centre is constructing roads,
integrated development centres and houses in Saranda and
providing free solar lamps, bicycles and a radio to every
household.
After reviewing the plan, the minister claimed the
development plan was on track and "Maoists will not deter us".
Maoist efforts to sabotage development will not succeed
because people of the region want development, he said.
PTI
