ITANAGAR, Jan 11: Chief Minister Pema Khandu has said that 53 villages – at least one in each of the 45 border blocks in the state – will be developed as model villages under the Border Area Development Programme (BADP).
The CM said this during an interaction with Maj Gen Bhaskar Kalita, GOC of the Likabali-based 56 Infantry Division, and Brig AK Borah, who had called on him here on Thursday evening.
“Development of these villages will be as per the perspective plans to be framed by deputy commissioners in consultation with commanding officers posted in the respective areas,” Pema said.
It has also been decided to construct foot suspension bridges and staging huts along the patrolling routes, “as per priority to be fixed by the Army, under the BADP, during the next financial year,” the CM informed
During the interaction, Maj Gen Kalita informed the CM about the forthcoming Army recruitment rally at Likabali (from 2-8 February) for Arunachalee youths, and about the training being provided to aspiring candidates at various locations of the state.
He said that, for about 350 vacancies, till date about 420 people have registered.
The GOC requested the state government’s support in conducting similar rallies at various places of the state at least once in two-three years, for the benefit of local youths.
Maj Gen Kalita expressed gratitude to the chief minister for all his support in resolving matters pertaining to defence authorities, including land acquisition.
On the proposed setting up of an Army cantonment in the vicinity of the state capital, Maj Gen Kalita informed that a joint survey has already been conducted for 500 acres of land. Another joint survey for the remaining 700 acres of land will be conducted soon, he said.
Giving details of a cantonment, the Army officer said facilities such as schools, health services, and all other infrastructure would come up as per the designation of the commanding officer to be posted at the cantonment.
Brig Borah informed the CM of the veterans’ rally to be organized at the Likabali military station on 21 January. The rally aims to provide an opportunity for formal and informal interaction to address grievances of veterans, veer naris, and families of martyred soldiers, he said. (CMO)