MPs may have a say in funds for naxal areas

NEW DELHI: MPs may have a say in the spending of funds in 82 Naxal-affected areas under the Integrated Action Plan. The Cabinet will on Thursday consider a proposal and also a Plan Panel recommendation to extend the scheme for another four years.

Till now, a committee headed by the District Collector and consisting of the Superintendent of Police and the District Forest Officer were responsible for implementation the scheme. They had the flexibility of spending the amount for development schemes according to need assessed by the committee.

As per the fresh proposal, MPs from each of the 82 districts under IAP will be a part of the panel along with the collector, SP and DFO. The inclusion of elected representatives in the decision-making process is aimed at making IAP more people-friendly. It will draw up plans for infrastructure, schools, anganwadi centres, primary health centres, drinking water supply and village roads.