Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik directed to add 10 more gram panchayats in cut-off Swabhiman Anchal to Socio-Economic Transformation and Upliftment (SETU) scheme for development in Maoist-infested Malkangiri district.

In view of the fast-paced changes in Swabhiman Anchal under the SETU scheme, the CM also increased special scheme's allocation amount by two-fold from Rs 50 crore to Rs 100 crore.

As per the order, nine more GPs such as Andrapalli, Panasput, Jodamba, Raligada, Papermetla, Badapada, Gajalmamudi, Jantri and Dhuliput under Chitrakonda Block and Nakamamudi GP under Korukonda Block in Maoist fortress will be included under in the SETU scheme.

In addition, Patnaik approved Rs 9.60 crore under the scheme for development and expansion of paramilitary force deployed in Swabhiman Anchal.

The move came following field visit of 5T Secretary VK Pandian and other senior officials to Chitrakonda Block in Malkangiri district on March 28 this year.

Worth mentioning that nine cut-off GPs of Chitrakonda Block are connected by Gurupriya Setu, the bridge constructed over the Gurupriya river since 2018. The SETU scheme is being executed for social and economic development of people residing in Swabhiman Anchal since that year.