New Delhi: The Plan panel would be ready
with the final draft of the Integrated Action Plan (IAP) for
development of the 35 Naxal-hit districts spread over nine
states in a month`s time.
"The Commission should be ready with the final draft of
IAP in a month as consultations with organisations like civil
societies are still on," Member Planning Commission Mihir Shah
told reporters after a meeting on IAP with non-government
organisation here.
Asked about financial package for the development of
infrastructure such as roads, electricity and drinking water
in these 35 districts, he said, "It is yet to be finalised."
Shah said funding under the IAP would be done for three
years. There are suggestions from civil societies that in the
Naxal hit districts, Panchayti Raj institutions like Gram
Sabha and Panchayat should be used for inclusive development.
But these are just suggestions, what shape IAP takes is
yet to be finalised, Shah said, adding that all members of the
panel would meet tomorrow to share their views.
Earlier in an internal meeting, Planning Commission
Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia had asked all the
members to give their ideas on how to go about IAP.
Last week, Ahluwalia had indicated that the panel is
working on Rs 13,742 crore financial package for these 35
districts.
He had also disclosed that the proposal came from the
Cabinet Committee on Security and would be for a three-year
period for infrastructure development.
As per an assessment by the Planning Commission, the
government`s flagship schemes like Bharat Nirman have not
achieved the desired results in the country`s backward areas,
aggravating the problem of extremism in several parts.
Earlier, Ahluwalia had also expressed concern over
excessive state regulations over tribals` right to use minor
forest produce such as grass and tendu leaves.
These should not be subject to regulation by the state
Forest Departments, he had maintained.
The commission is also looking at the possibility of
implementing the PESA (Panchayats Extension to Schedule Areas)
Act, 1996, to give tribals the right to use minor forest
produce.
Parts of as many as nine states -- Andhra Pradesh, Bihar,
Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Orissa,
Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal -- are in the grip of Naxalism.
PTI
