No fund crunch for backward districts: cabinet secy

Reviewing developmental work in 115 backward districts identified by the government, Union Cabinet Secretary P K Sinha on Friday said funds will never be a constraint in addressing the needs of these places.

Addressing additional secretary and joint secretary level officers who were made in-charge of the districts, Sinha said it is an important initiative that makes a difference in the lives of millions of citizens. He asked the officers to immediately form teams with state representatives and bring convergence in their effort.

"Funds are not a constraint in this programme, as already large funds are available under different schemes. Officers should explore the availability of funds in district mineral funds. Also, use flexi-funds which are significant in amount and are available under different schemes," Sinha said.

Niti Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant said backward districts need to be urgently transformed for a dramatic improvement in the country's human development index.

Union Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba said if these districts were transformed, there would be tremendous improvement in the security environment of the country. He said 55 districts out of the 115 are affected by left-wing extremism and another 15, including districts in Jammu & Kashmir and North East, are affected by terrorism.