The Central government has released Rs 1.4642 billion to West Bengal under the Border Area Development Programme (BADP) since 2019-20, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai informed the Lok Sabha. 

Rai stated that the remaining central share of committed liability for all states and union territories under BADP stands at Rs 533.4 million, including Rs 19.3 million for West Bengal. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) emphasised that BADP is implemented through state governments to enhance border management and address the development needs of people living in remote border areas. 

Launched during the Seventh Five-Year Plan, BADP focuses on building essential infrastructure and fostering security in border regions. The MHA also noted that a significant portion of the funds allocated in 2024-25 was directed toward Sikkim. 

(ANI)