BORDER AREA DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME
13.1.0 The Border Area Development Programme covers four Border States of Gujarat, Rajasthan, Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir. A provision of Rs. 200 crores was made for the Seventh Five Year Plan for this programme, which was implemented by the Ministry of Home Affairs during 1986-87. This was transferred to the Department of Education from the year 1987-88. The intention was that the programme could be confined to Education and allied matters which are critical inputs for the development of border areas. Now, emphasis is laid, under the programme, on over-all human resource development. The efforts under this programme are a supplement to the State Educational Development Programmes, including those that may be taken up under the NREP, RLEGP, IRDP and Desert Development Programmes. Under the Programme, funds are provided for opening new schools, upgradation of schools, construction of additional class rooms, laboratories, toilets etc. in existing schools, provision of essential facilities, establishment of polytechnics and ITIs, setting up of adult education and non-formal education centres, youth programmes, cultural development activities etc.
13.2.0 For implementing the programme, the Department of Education formulated guidelines and circulated the same to the border States. They were requested to send their proposals according to these guidelines. A Sanctioning Committee under the Chairmanship of Education Secretary has been set up with respresentatives from the Planning Commission, the State Governments and the concerned Ministries to clear the proposals of the States promptly.
13.3.0 As recommended by the Sanctioning Committee, administrative approvals for various programmes/activities amounting to Rs. 36.63 crores were conveyed to State Governments and the entire budget provision of Rs. 25 crores was released to them during 1987-88. During 1988-89, against a provision of Rs. 45.50 crores (the original provision of Rs. 35.5 crores was enhanced to Rs. 45.5 crores) administrative approvals have been accorded by the Sanctioning Committees for various activities amounting to Rs. 60.69 crores (besides commitments for on going activity) and an amount of Rs. 23.12 crores has been released to State Governments till 31.1.89
13.4.0 The National Institute of Educational Planning and Administration had organised a workshop on 19-21 September, 1988, in which concerned officers of four border States participated, for formulating norms and guidelines for preparation of block development plans and for monitoring and evaluation of the programme.
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