Imphal, December 09: The Ministry of Home Affairs has sought the relevant suggestions from the State Government on the funding pattern of the Border Area Development Programme which was taken up during the last few years to develop the border areas on the Indo-Myanmar border.

Talking to The Sangai Express a well placed source from the State Planning Department said that the Commissioner, Planning has already submitted a point wise suggestion to the Joint Secretary of MHA, Rajiv Agarwal on how to develop the border areas.

In the suggestions, the Commissioner is understood to have pointed out that since the BADP blocks do not come under the Panchayati Raj but are included in the district councils, it would be right to release the approved funds for the BADP to the respective DCs who is also the Chairman of the DRDA.

Village level plans may be conducted, but the fund released under the BADP is too meager for this, said the Commissioner.

The MHA was informed that the State Government has its own mechanism to monitor the functioning of the BADP.

The State Government has also urged the Centre to release a sum of 200 crores as one time Additional Central Assistance which is included in the Plan outlay of Rs 781.25 crores for the fiscal 2004-05.This proposal has also been submitted to the Planning Commission.

The one time Central Assistance Scheme of Rs 200 crores include Rs 4755 lakhs for roads and bridges, Rs 300 lakhs for Power (Electrification of de-electrified villages), Rs 3000 lakhs for Planning (Special employment generation programme), Rs 3000 lakhs for Education (Upgradation of 15 Higher Secondary Schools), Rs 2800 lakhs for Higher Education (Upgradation of 14 colleges), Rs 500 lakhs for MAHUD (Shopping complex at Thoubal and Street lighting), Rs 5000 lakhs for Capitol Project, Rs 315 lakhs for Social Welfare (Construction of hostels) and Rs 330 lakhs for PAB.

Till date the Detailed Project Reports for Rs 135.69 crores, which will come under the Rs 200 crore ACA, have been submitted to the Centre.

The reports for the remaining amount will be submitted soon, added the source.

Respective departments have been instructed to prepare their reports soon.

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