The Planning Commission on Thursday said it is contemplating an increase in the number of districts which will receive aid to fight the Maoist menace under the Integrated Action Plan (IAP) being formulated by it.

"I don't want to speak (about this).. We think that we would broaden it (number of Maoist-hit districts receiving aid), but the exact numbers would be confirmed later," Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia told PTI.

In an internal meeting of the panel on Tuesday, the members had discussed the proposal to increase the number of Maoist-hit districts from 35 to 60 under the IAP for development of infrastructure facilities like drinking water, roads and electricity.

The commission is reportedly divided over the issue of raising the number of Maoist-hit districts from 35 to 60 for grant of funds under the IAP.

One school of thought in the commission is that such a move will result in reduced allocation of funds for each of these districts, while others are of the view that improvement in governance is the first requirement for capacity-building so that the allocated money can be absorbed properly.

"The improved governance and capacity to absorb funds for development hold the key. Money will be provided on the basis of performance," Planning Commission Member Mihir Shah said.

"The already-allocated fund is not being used properly as there is no capacity to absorb it. First, we need to develop the capacity for fund absorption through improved governance," Shah had argued.

However, Member Secretary Sudha Pillai was of the view, "In that case (if number of districts are raised from 35 to 60 under IAP), each district would get less money."

The Planning Commission is yet to finalise the proposal and once the body firms up its views on all aspects, it would be sent to the Cabinet for approval.