MUMBAI, MAY 27: The Congress-led Democratic Front has sought financial assistance of Rs 1675 crore from the Centre to tackle the law and order situation in Naxal infested districts in the Vidarbha and Marathwada regions."We have drafted a five year plan to tackle the threats posed by the Naxalites. Either the Centre should share the cost on a 50:50 basis to meet the physical targets or if the Centre decides to give a grant to Andhra Pradesh, then we should be treated on par with the neighbouring State," Deputy Chief Minister Chhagan Bhujbal said.In his submissions before the Planning Commission, Bhujbal, who also holds the Home portfolio said, on the one hand, his government has proposed to further strengthen the law and order machinery. Simultaneously, developmental schemes for poverty alleviation for the benefit of groups as well as individuals were also being chalked out on top priority."We plan to create better employment opportunities as well as health care for the Naxal-infested Gadchiroli, Chandrapur, Yeotmal, Bhandara, Nanded and Gondia districts. If we get Central assistance, we will accelerate the process of development," Bhujbal said.Bhujbal said his government has drafted a three pronged strategy to deal with the situation. A continuous armed offensive against the Naxalites, a peace campaign through village visits, Jan Jagranmelas and encouragement of developmental activities. "Our policy is clear. Effective preventive action against hard core sympathisers and grass root supporters by opening of new outposts in interior areas. Our strategy has yielding satisfactory results," Bhujbal said.For the current year, the state government has sought an assistance of Rs 70 crore to enhance manpower, equipment, vehicles, wireless sets and other logistic support, he said.Bhujbal, who also holds the Tourism portfolio, asked for central assistance for the tourism sector too, saying, if the Centre agrees to provide financial help, it will be benefited by way of foreign exchange.Bhujbal said for promoting tourism, it was essential that the Ministry of Civil Aviation declare Nagpur, Pune and Aurangabad as international airports. "Small states like Kerala have three international airports. However, an industrially advanced State like Maharashtra has only one. I think, it is an acceptable demand and the Centre should concede it," he said.Bhujbal said, since there is strong opposition for an airport at Mopa in Goa, the Centre should consider Parule in Sindhudurg district as an alternate site for the project. "If the Centre agrees for the proposal, we will extend all necessary cooperation," he said.Bhujbal asked the Centre to resume the Delhi-Jaipur-Aurangabad-Mumbai flight with immediate effect. "The flight was in operation for well over two decades, I am surprised that it was discontinued. I have taken it up with the Centre," he added.
