Saranda will be a role model for the entire country. Success in Saranda is important for the country…if successful the model will be replicated across other areas hit by the Naxal menace.

It 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” this area of West Singbhum district of Jharkhand from 11 years of Maoist control and domination. One of the very first things I did after becoming union rural development minister in July 2012 was to initiate discussions with the state government on how best to consolidate on the success achieved by the CPRF and launch development activities in this most backward area. (The Hindu, June 6, 2012) (hyperlink: http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/article3494009.ece)

Originally I had been saying that the solution is two-pronged: development and security. Then I realised it is three-pronged: development, security and political mobilisation. Then I came to the conclusion that it is actually four-pronged: development, security, political activity and also some sense of justice and dignity, because there is an accumulated sense of injustice. Land has been taken, rights not given — you have to address that. (Jairam to Governance Now)

Development in the villages would be visible in the next two to three years under the Saranda Action Plan. All the 7,000 families will be given cycles, solar lantern and radios apart from homes under the Indira Aawas Yojana (apart from laying 140 km of roads).

We will develop all 56 villages in the Saranda forest as model villages. We will replicate it in other areas like Jangalmahal in West Singhbhum and Abujhmad in Maharashtra. The Union government will spend Rs 277 crore for development work in Saranda, which includes construction of roads measuring 140 kilometres.