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