The Centre has agreed to give a special package to tackle the Maoists in Banka district following a state government’s request last year.

On Tuesday, the state police headquarters sent a fax message to deputy inspector-general (DIG) of police, Bhagalpur zone, Amit Kumar Jain, informing him about the Union home ministry’s decision.

Last year, the Union home ministry had included Jamui and five other districts of Bihar in the list of districts getting special central assistance to fight the Maoists.

Banka and Begusarai, along with five other districts of Bhagalpur range, have been selected for special central assistance. Altogether 12 districts are being covered by the scheme. A.K. Ambedkar, the inspector-general (IG) of police, Bhagalpur range, said funds would not be a problem to carry out anti-Naxalite operations and all police stations in Banka would be well equipped. He added that a station house officer (SHO) could hire a private vehicle in case police vehicles were unavailable during such operations.

“Police would also initiate welfare projects in Naxalite-hit hamlets like educating children. The superintendent of police would monitor all such projects directly,” he said.

Ambedkar added that the special funds would be used in strengthening fencing and arranging lighting arrangements of police stations and outposts. SHOs would organise free health camps in their respective areas and would distribute free medicines among villagers apart from dhotis, saris and blankets among poor villagers in remote areas. The police would also host sports meets at the village-level from time to time.