Question : DEVELOPMENT OF SOCIO- ECONOMIC CONDITIONS OF PEOPLE

(a) whether the Union Government has adopted any concrete policy strategies and action plan to develop socio-economic conditions of the people living in the most backward and neglected Indo-Bhutan Border areas with special mentioned to the Bodoland Territory in Assam by doing various developmental activities through Army Personnel;

(b) if so, the details of the schemes and projects extended during the last three years in this regard and the amount earmarked for those projects and schemes during the said period; and

(c) if not, the reasons therefor?

MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE (SHRI A.K. ANTONY)

(a) to (c): A Statement is attached.

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (c) OF LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3522 FOR ANSWER ON 26.4.2007

(a) & (b): Indo-Bhutan border is managed by Shasatgra Seema Bal; a force under the Ministry of Home Affairs. There is no specific scheme for development in the Indo-Bhutan border areas, especially the Bodoland territory, by the Army. However, Army executes civic action projects under Operation Sadbhavana in militancy affected and border areas in North East with the aim to ‘win hearts and minds’ of the people. In Bodoland territory, these projects include projects in Kokrajhar, Udalgiri, Baska and Chiranguri districts of Assam. The details of the projects executed and funds allocated in these districts during last three years are as follows:-

2004-2005	(a) Assistance to School	Rs.13.00	(b) Infrastructure Development including	Community Services	(c) Health Care
2005-2006	(a) Infrastructure Development including	Rs.27.25	Community Services	(b) Health Care	(c) Development of Sports	(d) National Integration Tour
2006-2007	(a) Infrastructure Development including	Rs.72.70	Community Services	b) Health Care	(c) Development of Sports	(d) National Integration Tour	(e) Assistance to School	(f) Water Supply Schemes	(g) IT Training to Youths.