Congress President Sonia Gandhi has asserted that development is the only way to defeat left wing extremism and insurgency in the country.

Addressing an All India Mahila Congress National convention on empowerment to tribal women, in New Delhi today, Mrs. Sonia Gandhi said that it is a combined responsibly of both the Central and the State governments to bring the Maoists back to the main stream. She added that the center is coming up with an innovative mineral development laws to empower tribal people in the country.

The Congress President added that the new law will generate employment for the tribal youth and discourage exploitation which is happening in the name of development. She added that UPA Government flagship programme like Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment guaranteed scheme and Pradhan Mantry Gram Sadak Yojna, Aadi Vassi Siksha Rinn Yojna are already proving out to be significant in the development of the tribal areas of the country.

Mrs. Gandhi said that Government is making all efforts to take education to the most marginalized sections of the country. She said tribal children are encouraged with scholarships and other facilities.

The Congress President said, Self help groups are doing a remarkable job in the awakening of the tribals. Mrs. Gandhi also said that the government must ensure proper implementation of all the tribal development programmes.