Despite Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s claims of bringing development to Maoist-affected districts, a CAG performance audit of special development initiatives in the affected areas over the past five years has found most of these programmes failed miserably. Special initiatives like Integrated Action Plan (renamed Additional Central Assistance later) and skill development were implemented in 34 worst-affected districts. Development projects in Maoist-hit areas were not given due priority as there was a shortfall of Rs 170.46 crore in allocation. Skill development and livelihood initiatives in such areas were accorded the least priority, the draft says, adding that Rs 2034.34 crore of the total fund for 2011-16 was utilised. Several skill development centres, hostels and training centres remained idle or were used as rest sheds and gram panchayat offices, the draft says.

Source: Indian Express February 19, 2017 22:38 UTC