The district administration and the United National Development Programme (UNDP) on Tuesday signed an Rs 6.18crore pact to develop 12 villages located near the Birsa Munda Airport in the next three years.

The villages, which will be developed, are Hundru, Chota Ghaghra, Hethu, Chan-daghasi, Churu, Lodhma, Karamtoli, Kutetoli, Latma, Narigutta, Khijri, Pokhartoli and Tombagattu. All the settlements have a mixed population of tribals and non-tribals.

UNDP project officer Manish Mohandas and deputy commissioner Rai Mahimapat Ray signed the Memorandum of Understanding at the district collectorate in Kutchery.

Ray said the amount would be provided by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and the district administration would ensure that the money is properly utilised.

“AAI is providing the amount from its corporate social responsibility (CSR) funds for socio-economic development of the villages near the airport. The district administration has to get the work done. It has chosen UNDP as the executing agency,” Ray said.

Ray said, “According to the pact, integrated development of all the villages will be carried out. Medical services will be improved by setting up health clinics besides enhancing the capacity of health workers in the villages. Mobile medical units will also be provided to help fulfil the purpose of the national rural health mission.”

“Apart from this, steps will be taken to ensure that students in the villages do not drop out of schools. There is also a plan to develop the infrastructure of schools to promote education and provide special training to schoolteachers. We are also planning to providing vocational training to the youths of the villages to help them get jobs and in the process reduce employment,” Ray added.