Orissa seeks BRO help for road projects in Naxal-hit areas

Orissa seeks BRO help for road projects in Naxal-hit areas

New Delhi, Oct 14. (PTI): Orissa on Friday requested the Centre for extending the assistance of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) in road projects in the Naxal-infested tribal districts of the State.

Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik met Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee and sought the BRO's services in tribal districts of Malkangiri, Rayagada and Gajapati, according to an official release of the Orissa Government.

Mukherjee said if Orissa sends a workable proposal through the Ministry of Road and Transport and Highways, the Defence Ministry can consider it, the release said.

Though the primary mandate of BRO is to work along international borders, certain exceptions have been made like for the Naxalite affected areas of Chattisgarh.

Patnaik also requested the Defence Minister to set up additional Army Recruitment Centres in Orissa, particularly in tribal areas.

Mukherjee also assured that special recruitment drives for the army will be held in some tribal districts and the issue of opening new Branch Recruitment Offices in the tribal areas will also be examined by the Defence Ministry.

Patnaik also requested the Defence Minister to set up additional Army Recruitment Centres in Orissa, particularly in tribal areas.

http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/002200610140310.htm