NAC meet: Govt faces fire on Maoist policy

The first meeting of the reconstituted NAC witnessed criticism of the UPA government's 'iron fist' policy.

The first meeting of the reconstituted National Advisory Council (NAC) on Thursday witnessed criticism of the UPA governments iron fist policy vis-a-vis Naxalism even as the high profile advisory body decided to focus on Food Security Act as its top priority. You are losing the war, Ram Dayal Munda,an NAC member,was learnt to have told Prime Minister Manmohan Singh when NAC members led by Chairperson Sonia Gandhi called on him after their meeting.

NAC members were of the view that the government should focus on bringing tribals into the mainstream through development,especially though drinking water schemes,education,Mahatma Gandhi Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme and food security. While most of members were said to have emphasised on development aspects in the fight against Naxalism,Munda,who was nominated to the Rajya Sabha recently,was said to be particularly critical,pointing out that combing operations of the security forces had failed as they could not move beyond the roads into the jungles. Although the NAC members expressed reservation against the iron fist policy,there was no rejection of the ongoing anti-Naxal operations. Munda was of the view that some force was necessary to bring Naxals to the negotiating table.

Although an official press release detailing the focus areas of the NAC as decided by members skipped any mention of Naxalism or internal security,the background note presented by NAC Secretary Rita Sharma identified internal security and preservation of communal harmony as one of the issues the NAC would monitor. The suggested topics for consideration included ensuring integrated development in Naxal-hit districts.

Discussing the Food Security Bill,Harsh Mander was said to have suggested leniency in enumerating beneficiaries. Farah Naqvi was said to have dwelt at length over the plight of Muslim women in the context of the socio-economic backwardness of the community.

The terms of reference of the NAC include monitoring the progress of implementation of the UPA governments agenda as outlined in the Presidential Address in June 2009 and providing inputs for the formulation of policy by the government and support in its legislative business.

NAC Chairperson Sonia Gandhi acknowledged the contribution of the earlier NAC especially towards enactment of the RTI Act and the MGNREGA. She added that it shall be the firm endeavour of NAC to work sincerely. The PM expressed confidence that the NAC members will be able to assist the government in taking the fruits of development to the vulnerable sections of society.

Next NAC meeting will be held on July 1 to consider the issues relating to the proposed Food Security Bill.