Patna, July 6: The state government today decided to step up development work in six rebel-affected districts in the wake of the stepped-up Maoist activities.

Reviewing the work of the human resource development department, chief minister Nitish Kumar announced opening of Industrial Training Institutes (ITI) and two skill development centres each in Jamui, Arwal, Jehanabad, Gaya, Aurangabad and Rohtas. The Naxalites had hijacked a train in Jamui district last month. Reports of Maoists attacking road construction company workers have also been pouring in from Aurangabad and Jehanabad districts of late.

The chief minister also directed officials concerned to set up the ITIs at Forbesganj, Buxar, Sitamarhi and Begusarai.