CII backs Chidambaram plea to invest in Naxal-hit areas

In a prompt response to home minister P Chidambram's plea for private sector investment in the Naxal-infested areas, the Confederation of Indian Industry said today it would promote at least five districts in three affected states.

Newly-elected CII president Hari S Bhartia said the chamber would encourage investment in social sectors like education and skill development in Bihar, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra under the pilot project.

In his first press conference after taking over the charge of the premier industry chamber, Bhartia said CII is trying to see ''how we can engage the private sector to have certain intervention in some of the select Naxal-affected districts''.

Speaking at the CII conference in New Delhi on Wednesday, Chidambaram urged the captains of Indian industry to invest in Naxal-affected areas too for the uplift of the country.

He asked them to visit and study the problems of the people in these areas and provide necessary guidance to them.

Chidambram had said, ''There is a huge trust-deficit between the elected governments and the people of these (Naxal-hit) areas.'' Taking a dig at industry, Chidambaram asked, ''Are we content with our profit and loss accounts, our balance sheets, share of parties, daily dose of entertainment in T20 matches?''