Standing committee flags road construction delay in LWE-hit areas

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LWE-hit areas, Left Wing Extremism, Left Wing Extremism areas, Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, PMGSY, Indian express news, current affairs While acknowledging the challenges such as insurgency terrain and forest clearance issues, the Committee said bottlenecks can be removed by proper planning and strong coordination.

Flagging slow progress of work in Left Wing Extremism (LWE)-affected areas, a Parliamentary panel has asked the Ministry of Rural Development to adopt “sincere innovative ideas” and guide states to ensure that road projects under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) in those areas are completed in a time-bound manner.

In its report, the Standing Committee on Rural Development and Panchayati Raj said: “The Committee notes that Road Connectivity Project for Left Wing Extremism Areas (RCPLWEA), a very important intervention under PMGSY, was launched in 2016… The deadline for the completion of this vertical under PMGSY was March, 2020 which was extended till March, 2025. In this regard, the Committee are concerned to note that out of total of 12,228 km sanctioned road length only 9,523 km is completed as on 14th May, 2025 and length of 2,705 km is still left even after extended deadlines.”

While acknowledging the challenges such as insurgency terrain and forest clearance issues, the Committee said bottlenecks can be removed by proper planning and strong coordination. “Perhaps area specific professionals who are skilled to work in combat and insurgent zones such as Border Road Organisation might serve as a boost,” said the committee headed by Congress member Saptagiri Sankar Ulaka.

Harikishan Sharma, Senior Assistant Editor at The Indian Express' National Bureau, specializes in reporting on governance, policy, and data. He covers the Prime Minister’s Office and pivotal central ministries, such as the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Ministry of Cooperation, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Ministry of Rural Development, and Ministry of Jal Shakti. His work primarily revolves around reporting and policy analysis. In addition to this, he authors a weekly column titled "STATE-ISTICALLY SPEAKING," which is prominently featured on The Indian Express website. In this column, he immerses readers in narratives deeply rooted in socio-economic, political, and electoral data, providing insightful perspectives on these critical aspects of governance and society. ... Read More

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