Rajya Sabha MP Parimal Nathwani on Monday raised questions about the status of centrally sponsored programme in extremist hit area of Saranda and progress made since the initiative to counter the left-wing ideology started taking root.
Minister of State for Rural Development Upendra Kushwaha informed Nathwani that developmental works is in progress under Saranda Action Plan in Saranda area (West Singhbhum) through integrated implementation of Government Schemes and under National Rural livelihoods Mission Self Help Groups (SHGs) and Village Organizations have been formed to address the basic needs of tribal people living in the area. The requirements of residence, roads and bridges among other services are being provided to the people situated in the Maoist den, added Kushwaha.
The Minister further added that the action plan is working in 56 villages of six Gram Panchayats in Saranda and Under National Rural livelihood Mission, through Resource Block Strategy, 323 SHGs have received Rs 18.45 lakh as revolving fund in addition to grants of Rs 52-lakh to 102 SHGs towards Community Investment Fund (CIF).
Replying to the question the Minster informed the House that to provide connectivity to the eligible unconnected habitations in this area, the Ministry had sanctioned 9 road works, one bridge covering 103.48 Km length at the cost of Rs 68 crore on March 2, 2012 and based on the report of received from Jharkhand, 5 road works and one bridge have been completed so far.
Also, an amount of Rs 2,181.50 lakh was sanctioned as central share during 2011-12 under Indira Awas Yojna, for additional houses in the area. During 2012-2013 and 2013-2014, Rs 941.29 lakh and Rs 149.95 lakh were sanctioned respectively for the purpose. Minister added that the concerted effort of Government has helped people bringing in mainstream of the society besides improving quality of life of people once living under the terror of guns.