New Delhi: Concerned over increased Naxal
activities in the state, Orissa on Saturday demanded that the Centre
should extend a comprehensive development package for 10 more
Naxal-affected districts there.
"Out of 15 districts affected by left wing extremism, the
Centre has so far identified only five severely affected
districts for supporting comprehensive development. We urged
the Centre to extend support for comprehensive development in
the remaining 10 districts," Orissa Chief Minister Naveen
Patnaik said at a meeting of National Development Council.
The five districts identified for development are
Deogarh, Sambalpur, Gajapati, Malkangiri and Raygada.
Patnaik said that an integrated action plan has already
been submitted by the state government to the Planning
Commission for appropriate follow-up action.
He also sought the Centre`s support in dealing with
security-related issues.
The CM also asked the Planning Commission to
expeditiously approve a plan for development of KBK
(Kalahandi, Bolangir and Koraput) districts.
"In order to expedite development of KBK districts and
in consultation with the Planning Commission my government has
developed an eight-year perspective plan for these districts
from 2009-10 to 2016-17 for a projected outlay of Rs 4550
crore. It is awaiting approval of the Commission."
Orissa also sought adequate monetary support in
implementing the Right to Education Act and enhanced
assistance for other development projects in the state.
PTI
