Naxalism affecting rural schemes in 35 districts
Naxal disruptions in the Left-Wing extremism affected districts impacting the progress of rural road and housing development schemes has left the government worried.
Sources said the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana aimed at improving rural road connectivity and the Indira Awas Yojana, to provide housing options to the poor, of the rural development ministry have not faired well in the 35 LWE districts in the country.
“This is a serious problem. Slow implementation of these schemes may be ascribed to disruptions by Naxals besides factors like inadequate manpower and difficult geographical terrain,” said a senior official of the rural development ministry.
According to data available, only 24 per cent of the sanctioned cost could be utilised under PMGSY in Bihar, 49 per cent in Chhattisgarh, 44 per cent in Jharkhand, 40 per cent in Maharashtra and 46 per cent in Orissa.
Similarly, under IAY, only 61 per cent of funds available could be spent in Bihar, 55 per cent in Jharkhand and 58 per cent in West Bengal.
However, compared to the PMGSY and the IAY, flagship MGNREGA has faired slightly better than the two schemes in these districts. Sources said this is perhaps due to the reason that the Naxal supporters benefit from the rural job plan.
To address critical gaps in the development of LWE districts, the Planning Commission is working on an integrated action plan with the help of state administrations and local representatives.
At its level, the rural development ministry too is trying hard to expedite development in the LWE areas, added the sources.
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