State to tackle Naxal menace by focusing on development
As part of the government’s continued efforts to curb the spread of Naxalism, Chief Minister K Rosaiah has urged the Centre to include more areas of Andhra Pradesh in its list of a Central Scheme which concentrates on social-economic development.
Addressing the gathering after a parade by the state police personnel at the Gosha Mahal Stadium on Police Commemoration Day on Thursday, Mr Rosaiah said that his government is concentrating on tackling the spread of Naxalism by providing jobs to tribal youth in the Maoist infested areas, thereby weaning them away from the influence of the Maoists.
He revealed that he had urged the Centre to include more areas of the state in the list of a Central Scheme through which it counters the spread of right-wing extremism by concentrating on providing basic amenities and developing infrastructure in areas under Maoist threat.
Mr Rosaiah revealed that presently only Khammam district is on the list of the centrally-sponsored scheme. He revealed that Home Minister P Chidambaram has responded positively to his suggestion.
The Chief Minister also revealed that his government would concentrate on an ‘inclusive’ policy to wean away people from the influence of Naxalism by providing scholarships to the students and implementing welfare schemes for the SCs, STs, BCs and religious minorities.
Director General of Police K Aravinda Rao called on the government to increase its budget for the police department and requested that it addresses concern among police personnel over the health front.
Pointing out that the police department needed to be revamped in the state, the DGP requested the government allot finances for this on an urgent basis.
The DGP pointed out that while there were no casualties due to Naxal attack or communal violence, in the recent past, the police department was losing around 400 personnel a year due to ill health.
He suggested a bi-annual health check up for constable to ASI cadre (between 40 and 45 years).