Centre Disburses ₹146.42 Crore to West Bengal Under Border Area Development Programme
The central government has allocated ₹146.42 crore to West Bengal under the Border Area Development Programme (BADP), a scheme designed to strengthen infrastructure and improve the living conditions of communities residing near the international borders. The funds were disbursed since the financial year 2019-20, as confirmed by Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai, in a written reply to the Lok Sabha.
This funding is part of a wider national effort under the BADP, a key initiative by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) that focuses on the balanced regional development of remote areas along India’s international borders. The programme seeks to cater to the specific needs of border communities by improving infrastructure, including roads, health facilities, and educational institutions, while also enhancing security and overall quality of life in these areas.
The ₹146.42 crore allocated to West Bengal forms part of the ₹53.34 crore central share of the total remaining committed liabilities for all states and union territories under the programme. According to the MHA, this funding is being used to finance approved projects that have been earmarked by state governments and distributed to district administrations for implementation. The BADP is a long-standing initiative that was launched during the Seventh Five-Year Plan. Its primary aim is to address the development gaps in border areas and ensure that these regions, often isolated and underserved, have access to the basic amenities and infrastructure needed for sustained growth. This aligns with the government’s broader border management strategy, which also focuses on strengthening security and fostering a sense of inclusivity among border residents.
The Border Area Development Programme currently covers 457 blocks across 117 districts in 16 states and two union territories, including border states such as Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Punjab, and of course, West Bengal. Each of these areas benefits from targeted interventions that enhance physical infrastructure, social facilities, and public services. In Assam, for example, BADP funding has been used to construct essential community infrastructure like schools, public health centres, roads, and bridges. Similar projects are taking place in other states like Sikkim, where significant funds have been allocated for infrastructure development in 2024-25, and in Jammu & Kashmir, where the programme has played a crucial role in improving basic amenities for border residents.
With the ever-growing challenges faced by remote border communities, the BADP continues to play a pivotal role in ensuring these areas are not left behind in terms of development. The allocation of funds is guided by the unique needs of each region, with emphasis on improving essential services such as drinking water facilities, community spaces, and healthcare infrastructure. For residents of West Bengal’s border areas, the infusion of ₹146.42 crore in funding brings a renewed sense of hope. This financial commitment not only enhances local infrastructure but also brings a sense of security, as the government’s efforts continue to integrate these remote communities into the broader national development framework. As the BADP moves forward, the focus will remain on bridging the developmental gaps that persist in border regions, fostering resilience and ensuring that the benefits of India’s economic growth are felt by all, even in the most remote areas. With more funding set to be disbursed for projects like roads, bridges, and schools, the development of these vital regions is set to continue, empowering local communities to thrive.
