Union Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh said the implementation of rural development programmes will play key role in the success of anti-naxal strategies of the country. Addressing a press conference in Hyderabad today, the union minister stressed the urgent need for resolving land related issues and manpower management in Left Wing Extremism Affected Districts. As part of nation wide review, the minister evaluated the implementation of various rural development programmes in the LWEA Districts of Andhra Pradesh. He said besides the 60 Left Wing Affected districts across the country, 18 more districts have been proposed to be included and the Planning Commission has been actively considering the proposal.

He directed the Collectors of the concerned districts to maximise local recruitment and invest in infrastructure development. The minister also said other states should emulate Andhra Pradesh Integrated Tribal Development Agency model for tribal areas to tackle maoist menace effectively. The Minister proposed CAG to have a Principle Accountant General to exclusively deal with Rural Development Audit