Thaindian News

New Delhi, Oct 11 (IANS) Calling for a two-track approach to deal with left-wing extremism, Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh said Tuesday that there was need to recognise tribals as victims of state apathy and Maoist agenda while dealing firmly with the ultras’ leadership.

Delivering the Sardar Patel Memorial lecture here, Ramesh said called for expanded role of elected local representatives in the development activities in Maoist affected areas.

“What is clear is that we need a two-track approach–one that deals with the leadership of the Naxals (Maoist), who wish to overthrow the Indian state and the other, which focuses on the concerns of the people they pretend/claim to serve. There is clearly a need to recognise tribal populations as victims–first of state apathy and discrimination and then of the Naxal agenda,” Ramesh said.

“A complete revamp of administration and governance in tribal areas, especially in central and eastern India, was the pressing need of the hour,” he added.

Ramesh said Planning Commission’s development package has spurred development activity in 60 Maoist affected districts but it needs to be more inclusive.

He said Integrated Action Plan for Maoist affected districts should target blocks rather than districts and sought expansion of the programme to another 18 districts.

Ramesh said his ministry had sought enahanced allocation under Pradhan Mantri Gramin Vikas Yojana as it would go a long way in bridiging development deficit in Maoist affected areas.