(a) whether the Government are aware of the living condition of villagers of district Coochbehar (West Bengal) staying in the Indian territory, along the Indo-Bangladesh Border because their villages fall across border fencing towards Bangladesh territory; and
(b) if so, the remedial steps taken by the Government to improve the conditions of all such villagers?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI SWAMI CHINMAYANAND)
(a): Yes Sir.
(b): Taking into consideration the grievances/difficulties being faced by the people of Cooch-behar District, the State Government have directed the district authorities to initiate steps for shifting of Villagers living ahead of fencing to own side of fencing for improving their living conditions. However, the gates along the Indo-Bangladesh border fencing have been provided for the Villagers staying in Indian territory for entering their village
s across the fencing towards Bangladesh territory. The Border Security Forces also maintains regular patrolling ahead of the fencing both during day and night in order to inculcate a sense of security among the residents of such villages.