Ahead of Diwali, Government releases Rs 113 crore to six border states

Ahead of Diwali, the Union government has released Rs 113.36 crore to Assam, Nagaland, Sikkim, Gujarat, Rajasthan and Uttarakhand under the Border Area Development Programme (BADP). The amount was released by the Home Ministry to address the problems of people living in these six border states, officials said Monday.

The release is a part of the Centre's plan for overall development of villages located along the International Border in 17 states. So far, the Home Ministry has released a total of Rs 637.98 crore in 2018-19 to these 17 states. In 2017-18, the government released Rs 1,100 crore, a government official said.

Centre's Plan for Overall Development of border Villages in India

The government's BADP covers 111 border districts in 17 states to with the focus on the development of people living within 50 km of the International Border. Construction of primary health centres, schools, supply of drinking water, community centres, connectivity and drainage to enable sustainable living in border areas are included in the BADP.

Schemes Covered Under Border Area Development Programme

The BADP covers schemes or activities relating to Swachhta Abhiyan, skill development programmes, promotion of sports activities in border areas, promotion of rural tourism, border tourism, protection of heritage sites, construction of helipads in remote and inaccessible hilly areas, which do not have road connectivity. The programme also includes skill development training to farmers for the use of modern and scientific techniques in organic farming.

When the Border Area Development Programme was initiated
         
The BADP was initiated in 1986-87 to improve the quality of life of the people in isolated border regions of the country. A total of Rs 13,400 crore has been released since its initiation. As a part of the programme, 61 model villages are also being developed.