Anantapur: As part of an action plan to fight growing naxalite activities in Andhra Pradesh, the Centre has sanctioned a grant of Rs 225 crore to the State Government and stepped up co-ordinated efforts to tackle the extremist menace.

With 15 out of the total 23 districts in Andhra Pradesh being identified as naxalite-affected, the Centre has sanctioned Rs 15 crore to each district, the Union Minister of State for Home, I D Swamy said.

The Central funds would be utilised for modernising the police force and acquiring new weapons, he said. Swamy was on a visit to Puttaparti, the abode of Sri Satya Sai Baba.

Calling for better co-ordination among the States affected by extremism, the Minister said the Centre and State Governments should equally share the costs of modernisation of police force to effectively tackle naxalite activities.