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Current affairs

Editorial
Give the Saranda Development Plan a chance
The Saranda Development is the first systematic experiment in combining a security-oriented and development-focussed approach in Maoist-affected areas on a large-scale. In July-August 2011, the CRPF and the State police jointly liberated the area of West Singbhum district of Jharkhand, from 11 years of Maoist control and domination.In October 2011, the SDP was prepared by the district administration covering 56 villages in six gram panchayats of Manoharpur block. The population covered is around 36,000 (7,000 households). The main elements of the SDP are as follows: Building houses for 6,000 households under the Indira Awaas Yojana which have already been sanctioned in December 2011. Appointment of 56 Rozgar Mitras from local tribal youth for MGNREGA works, for which over 6,000 job cards have already been issued and Rs.60 lakh in wages have been disbursed. 11 roads and one bridge to be constructed under the PMGSY, for improving connectivity to all habitations, of which two roads are nearing completion. Implementation of the Forest Rights Act, 2006 under which 2,122 claims have been received and 176 titles have already been distributed. Distribution of 7,000 solar lanterns, 7,000 transistors and 7,000 bicycles paid for by SAIL which is to be completed by end-July 2012. Launch of five mobile health units, again as part of SAIL's corporate social responsibility programme, of which three are in operation and two more will start by end-July 2012. Start of six watershed development projects covering an area of around 36,000 hectares, which were sanctioned in February 2012. Improving access to drinking water supply for which 128 hand pumps have already been installed. There has been receiving mixed feedback positive and negative. The main charge is that the main purpose of the SDP is to protect and enhance the interests of private mining companies. It is true that a number of private mining companies have their eyes on the mineral wealth of Saranda. But it is the daily concerns of deprived tribal communities, which are the very core of the SDP.

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