Centre Allocates Rs 146.42 Crore to West Bengal for Border Area Development
India’s border areas, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has announced the release of Rs 146.42 crore to the West Bengal government under the Border Area Development Programme (BADP). This fund allocation is part of the government’s long-term commitment to supporting infrastructure and socio-economic development in regions close to international borders, ensuring both the security and well-being of local populations.
The funds, released since the 2019-2020 financial year, are intended to support the execution of approved projects across the state’s border areas. The BADP is designed to cater to the developmental needs of people residing in remote regions along India’s international borders. According to Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai, the programme aims to bring essential infrastructure to these areas, focusing particularly on building infrastructure like roads, schools, healthcare facilities, and social services that will improve the lives of local residents. The BADP was introduced during the Seventh Five-Year Plan and focuses on bridging the development gap between border areas and the rest of the country. It spans 457 blocks in 117 districts across 16 states and two Union Territories, including West Bengal, which shares a border with Bangladesh. The programme prioritises areas closest to the border, ensuring that the people living in these regions have access to vital services and infrastructure.
The fund released to West Bengal will be used for various projects in border districts. While the exact allocation for each project will be handled by the state government, key areas of focus will include the construction of essential public infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, public health centres, and community spaces, in districts that are closer to the border. This will not only improve the quality of life for the residents but will also enhance the overall security and surveillance of these sensitive areas. BADP covers border areas in various states across India, including Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Gujarat, and Sikkim, among others. It’s crucial for the comprehensive management of India’s borders, focusing on both infrastructure development and border security.
The programme has a broad mandate, aiming to integrate local communities into the national fabric by providing them with access to modern amenities and a sense of security. By improving infrastructure and services in these regions, the government is also working to create a better environment for the development of local economies. For instance, in Assam, BADP funds have been used for constructing schools, public health centres, community centres, and other facilities aimed at improving the daily lives of border-area residents. Through BADP, the Centre is working not only to improve the living standards of people in border areas but also to ensure their safety. By providing better infrastructure and essential services, the government is fostering a sense of security among people living in regions that are often isolated and vulnerable. For instance, the development of roads and bridges helps local residents access important services, including healthcare and education, while also enhancing the ability of the authorities to monitor and patrol these border areas effectively. Moreover, BADP funds are allocated with the goal of fortifying the overall border security framework, making these regions less prone to external threats.
For West Bengal, the allocation of Rs 146.42 crore is a timely and crucial step in supporting the state’s border districts, especially those located along its international boundary with Bangladesh. By addressing the development needs of these remote areas, the Centre is empowering the local population and ensuring that they have the tools and resources needed to thrive. This latest funding release is part of the Centre’s ongoing effort to bridge the development gap between border areas and the rest of the country. With these funds, West Bengal will see better infrastructure, improved access to services, and a stronger sense of security along its borders, all of which will contribute to the overall progress of the state and its people. The BADP is playing an essential role in enhancing the quality of life for communities living along India’s borders. By addressing both infrastructural and security concerns, it is helping to build a more inclusive, secure, and prosperous India.
