New Delhi: The Centre today assured all help
to develop rural connectivity and drinking water supply among
others in Jungle Mahal, the Maoist-hit region in West Bengal.
"We discussed how to use the rural development
programmes effectively in the Jungle Mahal to fight Maoist
forces in the area," Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh
told reporters after a meeting with West Bengal Chief Minister
Mamata Banerjee here.
Jungle Mahal area comprises West Midnapore, Purulia and
Bankura in the state which are worst-affected by Maoist
violence.
"We are awaiting detailed proposals from the state to go
ahead with rural development schemes," he said adding "the
rural emeployment gurantee scheme, safe drinking water,
watershed and rural roads can be succesfully implemented for
the area's development."
On rural connectivity, he said there is a proposal to
construct 1800 km road in the area.
Asked whether the proposed land Bill was discussed with
Mamata, he answered in the negative. "We did not discuss Land
Bill as our main focus was on how to develop Jungle Mahal."
About his plan to visit the state, Ramesh said "I will go
soon to the state to visit Jungle Mahal area."
PTI
First Published: Friday, October 21, 2011, 22:09