Question : Development Work in Border Areas

(a) whether there is a need of developmental works for faster development in border areas;

(b) if so, whether the construction woks in the border areas are getting affected due to provisions listed in the Defence Ministry’s existing guidelines;

(c) if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether the State Governments have requested the Ministry of Defence to allow the developmental works of small nature for faster development in border areas; and
(e) if so, the steps taken by the Government in this regard?

MINISTER OF STATE (DR. SUBHASH BHAMRE)
IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
????? ????? ?????? (??. ????? ?????)
(a) Need of developmental works for faster development in border areas is the priority of Government. The strategic and operational infrastructure in Border areas by the Indian Army is important from development perspective as they contribute to the overall socio economic development of the border areas.

(b) & (c): Ministry of Defence issued Guidelines on “Security Consideration for Construction Activities / Other Activities in Border Areas” in November, 2017. The spirit of these Guidelines is not to impose restrictions nor impede developmental activities in border areas; but to ensure that large scale / major construction projects with implications on National Security / Operations are taken up in a regulated manner.

(d) & (e): Ministry of Defence has issued an Addendum to the Guidelines in November 2018 and now developmental works of small nature like construction, repair and maintenance of internal village roads / streets, construction and maintenance of village ponds, construction and maintenance of Governments buildings like Schools, Hospitals, Electrification etc by Panchayati Raj Institutions and other Central / State Government Statutory bodies have been allowed for faster development in border areas.

******