Funding for Indo-China border areas in NE states increases by 481%: Home Ministry Data

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• Apr 6, 2022 | Dhupali Das

Moreover, the BIM allocation for the Indo-Bangladesh border was Rs 407.07 crore in 2019-20, Rs 294.87 crore in 2020-21, and Rs 303.18 crore in 2021-22.

Digital Desk: Following the Indo-China border situation, the Central Government increased funding allocation under the Border Infrastructure and Management (BIM) scheme to secure the North-Eastern (NE) border areas.

According to the Ministry of Home Affairs data shared in the Lok Sabha, the government increased BIM funds for Indo-China border areas from Rs 42.87 crore in 2020-21 to Rs 249.12 crore in 2021-22, a 481 per cent increase. In 2019-20, the amount was Rs 72.20 crore.

Similarly, funds for the Indo-Myanmar border have increased from Rs 17.38 crore (2020-21) to Rs 50 crore (2021-2022). In 2019-2020, the amount was Rs 20 crore.

Moreover, the BIM allocation for the Indo-Bangladesh border was Rs 407.07 crore in 2019-20, Rs 294.87 crore in 2020-21, and Rs 303.18 crore in 2021-22. The statistics include those for the Northeastern states as well as West Bengal.

As per the ministry, the funds allocated for border security in the NE states have been used within the stated timeframe.

"The Government of India has developed a strategy to improve security along international borders, which includes deployment of Border Guarding Forces along international borders, effective security dominance through patrolling, setting nakas, manning observation posts, vulnerability mapping and holistic review of deployment on a regular basis, the establishment of new Border Outposts (BOPs), deployment of surveillance equipment, and bolstering of the intelligence network, erection of border fencing and floodlighting and deployment of technological solutions in non-feasible areas like riverine gaps, etc.," the Home Ministry said.