"Today, we have 82 IAP districts. Out of the 82, Naxal problem is most acute in about 25 districts. But we are treating all districts identically. This is a problem," the Rural Development Minister told reporters here.
"Gadchchiroli, one of the worst affected districts get Rs 30 crore (under IAP) and Mirzapur where there is hardly any Naxal area also gets Rs 30 crore," the Minister said, pointing out that distribution of funds under the IAP are not in proportion with the degree of Naxal problem.
After inspecting the works done under the IAP in Mirzapur and Sonbhadra districts, Ramesh said blocks should be made the unit for development under the programme and not districts.
"IAP expenditure should be focused only in the Naxal affected blocks in the districts. So, when you take up the big district, there will be parts of the district which are not Naxal-affected," he said, adding that funds meant for Naxal- hit areas could be diverted to unaffected parts because of political interference.
Ramesh said the development works under the IAP should have more political involvement with active participation of elected representatives of local bodies.
At present, a three-member committee chaired by the Collector take decision and implement it.
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"This 'Trimurti' set up is not enough. There has been no active involvement of local elected representatives. Therefore the money does not get spend where it should be spent," he said.
Ramesh said he has taken up these issues with the Planning Commission and they have assured that "they will revise the IAP in view of the criticisms that have been made."