File photo: PM Modi (Picture credit: ANI)

NEW DELHI: PM Modi has asked chief secretaries to ensure Maoism does not relapse in areas freed from the extremist entities, by accelerating saturation of infrastructure works and welfare schemes, report Dipak Dash and Manash Gohain.

At a meeting of chief secretaries in Delhi on Saturday and Sunday that he chaired, the PM said the challenge now is to see that those who have joined the mainstream don't go back to the fold of Maoism, TOI has learned. He stressed the focus must be on all-round development, from roads and water supply to rehab for those who have surrendered, an official said.  Set up ‘deregulation cells’ in offices, PM tells top bureaucratsThe PM asked the top bureaucrats to set up “deregulation cells” in their offices on the lines of the Cabinet Secretariat to accelerate the reforms agenda and improve “ease of living and doing business”.

Modi also asked them to replicate the Centre’s model of Pragati in states for review of major infrastructure projects which are delayed.The meeting took note of achievements made in ease of doing business in the past year with five states — Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha and Tripura — completing all 23 reforms. The presentation by the Cabinet Secretariat mentioned that overall progress was over 75%.

Officials who were present at the meeting said the PM asked them to focus on development of areas that are now free from Maoist terror. “He said the focus must be on all-round development (Vikas Ganga) in every front — road, water supply, education, healthcare, employment, rehabilitation and security of those who have dropped arms,” said an official. The Telangana govt made a presentation on “post-left wing extremism future”.The PM’s observation gains significance considering that Maoism had found support for lack of basic facilities and Maoists were able to hold on to this by ensuring that development never reached locals and towards that end they bombed schools, other infrastructure and did not allow construction of roads.There have also been acknowledgements from Maoist leaders — who have surrendered as well as those still holding out — of success of govt’s welfare schemes, such as free ration and development activities under the aspirational districts programme, resulting in losing their grip over locals.Officials said on the risk of relapse, the PM was of the view that victories will be complete when those who have come to the mainstream are not entrapped by Maoist propaganda again. Those who have surrendered have cautioned that there may be a relapse for non-fulfillment of promises such as cash reward, personal security, gainful employment and local development areas.The fifth chief secretaries conference on the overarching theme of ‘Human Capital for Viksit Bharat’ saw discussion on early childhood education, schooling, skilling, sports and extracurricular activities.PM asked chief secretaries to ensure that all PM Shri Kendriya Vidyalayas and Eklavya schools get toilet for females by March 8. Modi also shared his concerns over irregularities in Jal Jeevan Mission, sources said.