In a major embarrassment for the state the comptroller and auditor general of India (CAG) has criticized the government of Arunachal Pradesh for anomalies in the implementation of the Border Area Development Programme (BADP). The CAG report clearly stated that no proper monitoring was done while implementing BADP scheme in the state. It went to add that monitoring mechanism put in by the state government is poor and there was no quality monitoring from centre too. These findings are not shocking considering the fact often allegation of misuse of BADP fund in the state has cropped up.
The BADP programme is a very important scheme started by government of India with a view to improve standard of people living along the international boundary. Arunchal Pradesh shares international boundaries with China, Bhutan and Myanmar. Massive amount of fund under BADP is pumped into state but it is never properly utilized. It was hoped that this scheme will improve the standard of life along the border area but people continues to migrate from there to the state capital and district headquarters. The CAG finding also showed that priority was not given to the villages situated within 0-10 kilometres from the international borders as per the guideline. This report should be wake up call for the state government. They should start strict monitoring of the BADP schemes and also give priorities to villages situated near international boundary. Chief Minister Pema Khandu often claims of being tough against corruption but CAG finding has punctured his claim. It’s time for him to translate his words into action and initiate action against people responsible for messing up BADP programme in the state.