Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Thursday said 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). This was stated in a press release issued by the Chief Minister’s office.
The Chief Minister 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 in Itanagar on Thursday evening.
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 Chief Minister informed
“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,” Khandu said.
During the interaction, Maj Gen Kalita informed the Chief Minister about the forthcoming Army recruitment rally at Likabali, from February 2 to 8, for the local youths, and about the training being provided to aspiring candidates at various locations of the State.
He apprised, for about 350 vacancies, till date about 420 people have registered.
The GoC also requested the Chief Minister to extend support from the State Government in conducting similar rallies across the State at least once in two-three years, for the benefit of local youths.
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, the release added.