New Delhi: In a strategic move, the central government has unveiled an extensive model development plan aimed at revitalising marginalised villages grappling with the repercussions of long-standing Communist Naxal attacks. With a resolute focus on curbing unrest and instability, the Ministry of Home Affairs has embarked on a mission to uplift these districts, placing foremost emphasis on bolstering transportation networks and communication systems.
Nityanand Rai, the Minister of State for Home Affairs, apprised the Lok Sabha of an array of developmental initiatives taking root in the affected regions. The blueprint entails an expansive roadmap encompassing the expansion of road networks, enhancement of telecom connectivity, skill enrichment, and the establishment of crucial amenities like ATMs and post offices.
In the wake of the Narendra Modi government’s tenure, a discernibly tranquil atmosphere has descended upon states once grappling with the spectre of Communist terror. Notably, the socio-economic disparities plaguing these regions have been mitigated, resulting in a marked decline in hostile incidents. The construction of an impressive 13,234 kilometres of new roadways exclusively in these districts stands testament to these endeavours. Moreover, the administration has enacted specialised measures to augment the existing transportation infrastructure, with the installation of 2,343 mobile towers in the initial phase alone, substantially improving telecommunications connectivity within villages. An additional 2,542 mobile towers are currently in progress during the second phase.
With a view to enhancing financial accessibility, 927 bank branches have been established in the Naxal-affected areas, accompanied by the appointment of 27,513 banking correspondents. Simultaneously, 4,903 post offices have been inaugurated across 90 districts. The augmentation of skill development has been addressed through the inception of 43 ITIs (Industrial Training Institutes) and 38 skill development centres. Accompanying these strides is the functioning of 125 Ekalavya model residential schools in the same districts, a significant facet of the transformative vision. These pioneering endeavours have predominantly unfolded in the states of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra.
The central government relayed encouraging statistics to the Lok Sabha, highlighting a commendable 77 percent reduction in violent incidents during 2022 compared to figures from 2010. Moreover, fatalities stemming from these incidents have been significantly curtailed by an impressive 90 percent. In a display of unwavering commitment, the government has earmarked ₹306.95 crores for security-related expenses in the Communist Naxal-affected regions. The allocation of funds spans across ten states, including Andhra Pradesh, and has been apportioned to Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal.
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