The Centre proposes to launch a new capacity building programme for youths in Maoist-hit areas across the country. Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh said in New Delhi, the proposed Prime Minister's Rural Development Fellows Programme, will be a capacity building initiative of the Ministry of Rural Development in Left wing extremism affected 60 districts .

Giving details, he said, it will be on the lines of White House Fellows Programme of the US initiated by President Barack Obama. He informed that under this programme three professionals in the age group of 25 to 30 will be recruited to work in the Integrated Action Plan, IAP, for over all development of the backward districts.

Mr. Ramesh said the recruitment will be through open transparent system. The youth with professional qualifications would be positioned in Naxal affected districts in 2 to 3 years. The Minister said, the programme will give the youth an opportunity to serve the public.