Impact of border area development programme on infrastructure improvement in Punjab

Under this Border Area Development Programme (BADP) the Government of India approves the work under six sectors namely infrastructure, education, heath, agriculture, allied agriculture, social and security related works. The available statistics show that the development of the area has not shown desired results in spite of the government has provided liberal grants during the study period. The lack of education, health, infrastructure development, veterinary facility, professional and job oriented courses, industrial development, etc. is still lagging behind the envisaged targets. It was observed that the various development plans were prepared without the participation of real stakeholders. This calls for the participation of the all the stockholders in the planning, preparation and implementation of the various development programmes keeping in view the requirements and expectations of the people of the border area. It is suggested that political interference should be eliminated and the comprehensive plan for border area be prepared at least 10 years in advance for the creation of suitable and adequate infrastructures for the overall development of the border area.