Border Areas Development Programme (BADP): Enhancing Infrastructure & Livelihoods with Central Assistance

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The Border Areas Development Programme (BADP) is a centrally sponsored initiative aimed at promoting the well-being and development of people residing in remote areas along the International Boundary (IB). This program focuses on providing essential infrastructure, ensuring sustainable livelihoods, and enhancing the quality of life for residents in border areas.

Through convergence with other central, state, and local schemes, the BADP emphasizes participatory development in six thematic areas:

  1. Basic Infrastructure
  2. Health Infrastructure
  3. Education
  4. Agriculture and Water Resources
  5. Financial Inclusion
  6. Skill Development

Key Features

  1. Strategic Focus:
    • Priority is given to projects in strategically important villages identified by Border Guarding Forces (BGFs).
  2. Convergence of Resources:
    • The program integrates resources from various government schemes for holistic development.
  3. Comprehensive Development:
    • Two components:
      • Saturation of beneficiaries and infrastructure creation through scheme convergence.
      • Filling developmental gaps via the Border Area Development Scheme (BADS).
  4. Thematic Development Areas:
    • Infrastructure Development: Roads, bridges, community centers, and health facilities.
    • Education & Skill Development: Schools, hostels, vocational training centers.
    • Livelihood Enhancement: Agriculture, water conservation, and support for small-scale industries.

Eligibility Criteria

  1. Geographic Coverage:
    • Applicable to border districts in 16 states and 2 Union Territories, including Meghalaya.
    • Covers villages, semi-urban, and urban areas located within 0-10 km from the International Boundary (IB).
  2. Priority Areas:
    • Census villages/towns identified as strategic by BGFs.
    • Once 0-10 km areas are saturated, areas within 10-20/30/40/50 km may also be included.
  3. Funding Pattern:
    • 90% funding by the Central Government, 10% by the State Government.

Benefits

Infrastructure Development:

  • Roads & Bridges:
    • Construction/upgrading of roads and bridges.
    • Foot suspension bridges and retaining walls in hilly areas.
  • Health Infrastructure:
    • Government doctors’ quarters and paramedics’ housing.
    • Mobile dispensaries and purchase of medical equipment for government hospitals.
  • Educational Facilities:
    • Building/upgrading schools, hostels, and laboratories.
    • Housing for government teachers and officials.

Livelihood and Community Development:

  • Agriculture & Water Conservation:
    • Construction of minor irrigation works.
    • Water conservation and development projects.
  • Sports and Recreation:
    • Development of playfields and mini-stadiums.
    • Construction of indoor courts for table tennis, badminton, and basketball.
  • Social Infrastructure:
    • Anganwadi centers and community centers.
    • Drinking water supply projects.
  • Small-Scale Industries:
    • Construction of infrastructure for small-scale industries to promote local entrepreneurship.

Application Process

Offline Steps:

  1. Project Proposal Submission:
    • Eligible state governments submit proposals, including cost estimates and technical approval, to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
  2. State Screening Committee Review:
    • The State Level Screening Committee (SLSC) evaluates and recommends projects.
  3. Approval by MHA:
    • Projects are sanctioned by the Ministry after thorough evaluation.
  4. Implementation and Monitoring:
    • Projects are implemented by the state government in collaboration with BGFs and local stakeholders.

Documents Required

  1. Detailed Project Proposal:
    • Including technical drawings, cost estimates, and feasibility reports.
  2. Village/Town Census Data:
    • Village/town codes as per the 2011 Census for mapping on the BADP Online Management System (OMS).
  3. Approval Letters:
    • From competent authorities, including state technical and financial departments.
  4. Maps and Population Statistics:
    • Border belt maps (0-10 km) with census and demographic data.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  1. Does the scheme cover all border districts in the eligible states?
    Yes, the scheme covers 396 blocks across 111 border districts in 16 states and 2 UTs, including Meghalaya.
  2. What is the BADP OMS?
    The BADP Online Management System (OMS) is a digital platform for managing, monitoring, and mapping projects under the scheme.
  3. Who reviews the implementation of the scheme?
    • Social audit mechanisms.
    • Prabhari Officers.
    • Regular evaluations by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
  4. What are strategic villages/towns?
    Villages or towns identified by BGFs as crucial for security and strategic importance along the border.
  5. What are the major benefits of the scheme?
    • Improved infrastructure, connectivity, and social services.
    • Enhanced livelihoods and financial inclusion.
    • Better education, healthcare, and recreation facilities.

Sources and References

  • Border Areas Development Department Guidelines
  • Ministry of Home Affairs Official Documents
  • Detailed Project Proposals and State Maps

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