New Delhi, May 13 : A meeting of the Empowered Committee of the Border Area Development Programme (BADP) was held here yesterday to consider the report of the Task Force and discuss the revised guidelines for the programme.

In the meeting the progress made in implementing this programme was also reviewed. The Task Force was constituted under the Chairmanship of B. N. Yugandhar, Member, Planning Commission, to reorient the BADP.

In accordance with the recommendations of the Task Force, the new guidelines emphasize the need for participatory planning, convergence of all Centrally Sponsored Schemes with BADP funds, filling up critical gaps in infrastructure and providing livelihood opportunities. The revised guidelines also give importance to building administrative capacity and monitoring and inspection. The revised guidelines will come into force shortly.

Government of India has been implementing a Border Area Development Programme (BADP) through the State Governments as part of a comprehensive approach to Border Management. The programme aims to provide balanced development of border areas through growth and improvement of infrastructure and promotion of a sense of security among the border population.

The programme covers 362 border blocks of 94 border districts of 17 States located along the international land border. The programme is a 100 percent centrally sponsored scheme and during 2008-09, a sum of Rs. 635 crore is earmarked for this important programme.

Development of border areas has become a priority of the Central Government. The Prime Minister has also emphasized the need for border area development from time to time. (ANI)