Union Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh was on a visit to Jhumra hills of Bokaro district on Sunday, when he said this Naxal-affected area too would be developed on lines of Saranda.
Its expenditure is estimated at Rs 250-300 crore. A formal announcement is expected by April 15. Ramesh was in the State for two days to review development projects in Red zones.
“A special development programme on lines of Saranda Development Plan in Jhumra can bring changes in the lives of people here,” said Ramesh.
Ramesh also admitted that lack of power, poor health conditions and education facilities are most commonly raised complaints. “Strict implementation of women development projects, proper road connectivity, better health and education facilities will be our priority,” he added.
According to the Union Minister, the Naxals can be tackled by strengthening Gram Sabhas and by speeding up political processes with participation of villagers and forest dwellers.
Ramesh also assured the people of Jharkhand that Gram Panchayats would be empowered soon. “Developmental projects will be handed over to Gram Panchayats in all 18 Naxal-hit districts of Jharkhand and special rights will be given to them. Funds will also be transferred very soon,” he said.
“Maoists have created havoc among villagers but our fight against them will be continued till its end,” Ramesh vowed.
Promising connectivity to even the remotest villages, the Minister said, “At first, we had plans to connect approach roads to villages with a population of more than 250, but later, we decided to provide roads to even those villages which have a population 100 people. The decision was taken keeping in mind the difficult terrain and strong presence of rebels in the villages.”
Ramesh instructed officials to expedite road construction work from Rahwan camp to Jhumra, which would benefit people of Ramgarh, Bokaro and Hazaribagh.
The Union Minister also visited the Jhumra camp and met jawans there, enquiring after their well-being. He also reviewed development projects being implemented under Indira Awas Yojana and MGNREGA in Jhumra.