Ensure complete BADP funding by Centre: State

Kolkata: In a bid to ensure proper execution of work to develop infrastructure for border security, Bengal government has urged Union Home minister Rajnath Singh to take necessary steps to guarantee that the Centre provides 100 per cent of the fund required to carry out the Border Area Development Programme (BADP).

It may be mentioned that the Centre earlier used to provide the entire amount needed for BADP. But a year ago, the allocation of fund for the programme has been reduced, following which the state governments need to bear 40 percent of the total cost of the programme. Sources said that in the review meeting of Indo-Bangladesh border issues at Nabanna Sabhaghar headed by the Union Home minister, Bengal government has raised the problem that the state government is facing in implementing BADP as the Centre's share has been reduced.

The main objective of BADP is to undertake necessary developments for the people living in the areas near international borders and to create necessary infrastructure in such areas.

It has also been stated by the state government that it needs to spent around Rs 5 crore to ensure proper security in the bordering areas in Sunderbans.

It has been learnt that during discussions on cattle smuggling, the Bengal government has made it clear that it will extend all help to the Border Security Force (BSF) in tackling the menace.

But it does not have much role to play as most of it comes from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh and urged the Union Home minister to take necessary steps in this connection.

In connection with the land issue, the state government has made it clear that it never goes for forceful acquisition of land. Sources said that senior bureaucrats from the Centre has urged the state government to take necessary steps in this connection only after proper discussion with people and it will provide all necessary support to develop the infrastructure needed for border security.

The Union Home minister also maintained later in the Press conference: "The people living in the bordering areas are our strategic asset and need to be provided with all the infrastructure and socio-economic development facilities. " He emphasised the importance and necessity of improved infrastructure such as roads, railways, health, education, etc.