With an aim to tackle the problem of Naxals in Uttar Pradesh, the state government has decided to focus on comprehensive development of those districts affected by the ultras.

As a result, the state Social Welfare department has decided to introduce Integrated Tribal Development Programme (ITDP) in the Naxal-hit Sonebhadra district. The programme will not just ensure that the district gets support for infrastructure, but also welfare schemes to ensure its overall development.

So far, the programme was only being implemented in the Lakhimpur Kheri district for Tharu tribals. The department has now decided to implement it in the Sonebhadra district for the Kol tribal community.

Speaking to The Indian Express, Principal Secretary (Social Welfare) Prem Narain said: “This is one of the best programmes that talks of complete development. And incidentally, though the state has a considerable population of tribals, including the Kols, the project was being used in just one district. Hence, we have decided to extend this programme to Sonebhadra too.”

Incidentally, most of the Naxals belong to the Kol community, and the department feels that a developmental approach will go a long way in curbing the problem.

“With this programme, we can focus on creating infrastructure like roads, drinking water supply, schools in all the villages, anganwadi centres for children, mini-primary health centres in all villages and the community health centres at block levels,” said Narain.

“The programme will also ensure employment generation through various government-sponsored welfare schemes like NREGS and Swarnjayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojna,” he added. For this, the state has agreed to 50-50 funding with the Centre.

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