Q. India has a long and troubled border with China and Pakistan fraught with contentious issues. Examine the conflicting issues and security challenges along the border. Also give out the development being undertaken in these areas under the Border Area Development Programme (BADP) and Border Infrastructure and Management (BIM) Scheme.
UPSC Mains 2024 GS3 Paper
Model Answer:
India’s borders with China (3,488 km) and Pakistan (3,323 km) face numerous security challenges:
India-China border:
• Disputed Line of Actual Control (LAC) with contentious areas in Aksai Chin and Arunachal Pradesh.
• Recent conflicts include the 2017 Doklam standoff and 2020 Galwan Valley clash.
• China’s rapid infrastructure development, including border villages, raises strategic concerns.
• Frequent incursions, with hundreds of transgressions reported annually.
India-Pakistan border:
• Volatile Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir.
• Persistent cross-border terrorism and infiltration attempts.
• Issues along the International Border (IB) include drug trafficking and smuggling.
• Ceasefire violations, though reduced after the 2021 agreement.
Border Area Development Programme (BADP):
• Focuses on 117 border districts across 16 states and 2 Union Territories.
• Key initiatives include:
– Construction of schools and health centers.
– Development of roads in border areas.
– Electrification of border villages.
• Budget allocation increased to ₹1,470 crore in 2021-22.
Border Infrastructure and Management (BIM) Scheme:
• Allocated ₹13,020 crore for 2021-2026.
• Construction of strategic border roads.
• Implementation of Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS).
• Development of Integrated Check Posts (ICPs) for trade and movement.
Recent developments:
• Inauguration of Atal Tunnel, improving connectivity to Ladakh.
• Establishment of new ITBP posts along the LAC.
• Launch of Vibrant Villages Programme in 2022 for border area development.
• Implementation of smart fencing with advanced surveillance technology.
Conclusion: Continuous development and security enhancement in border areas are crucial for national security and socio-economic growth of frontier regions.
