The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, CCEA, today approved continuation of Scheme for Special Infrastructure in Left Wing Extremism affected states during the 12th Plan period. Of the total cost of 373 crore rupees, 280 crore rupees is the Central Government share and 93 crore rupees as state government.

The proposal includes an added objective of upgradation and critical gap filling of training infrastructure, residential infrastructure, weaponry, vehicles and other related items pertaining to Special Forces of the affected states.

The CCEA has also approved the Minimum Support Price of raw jute at 2300 rupees per quintal for 2013-14 season. This is 100 rupees per quintal higher over the MSP of the last season.

The increase is expected to encourage farmers to step up investment in jute cultivation, production and productivity of jute in the country.