Q16. ‘Tumakbasti’ is a village on the extreme north-eastern side of India-Bangladesh border, where local residents cross the border to reach a town ‘Moinabari’ (just a 15-minute walk away) in Bangladesh to get even the basic necessities of a day-to-day living. The village lacks basic facilities like hospital, concrete road, drinking water, school, police station and so on; the nearest Indian town falls about 100 km away from the village. The people of the village have no other option than to cross the border to get their health check-ups and necessary medicines. Often in an emergency, the people carry the patients on their shoulders across the border where Border Guards of Bangladesh stop them for security reasons which delay patients’ treatment. Consider the following statements and answer the questions:

• The area falls under your jurisdiction of being a District Commissioner. What actions would you take in the above-described situation?
• A District Commissioner has authority to do many things and if she/he wants she/he can transform the village into a modern one. How will you act in this situation and what contributions will you make for the village?
• Bordering areas are too sensitive and cause security problems. Open border with Bangladesh has many such implications including robbery, killing, smuggling , etc.  How will you manage such a security scenario?

Addressing Tumakbasti’s issues requires a multifaceted approach that balances essential service delivery, infrastructure development, and border security to foster sustainable growth and improve quality of life for its residents.

a) Actions to Address Basic Needs in Tumakbasti

As District Commissioner, addressing the critical infrastructure and access issues in Tumakbasti would require a coordinated, multi-agency approach:

• Immediate Health and Medical Support: Establish a temporary mobile health clinic and coordinate with the District Health Department to deploy medical vans on a regular basis. Arrange for telemedicine services as a quick interim solution until healthcare infrastructure is developed.
• Access to Essential Supplies: Set up subsidized distribution points for essential supplies under schemes like Public Distribution System (PDS) and explore establishing small cooperative shops with support from the village community.
• Basic Infrastructure Development: Propose funds from the Border Area Development Programme (BADP) for critical infrastructure like roads, drinking water, and sanitation facilities, prioritizing concrete road access for emergency transport.
• Educational Support: Establish temporary learning centers and explore partnerships with NGOs for literacy programs, with a goal to set up a government school under the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan scheme.
• Regular Consultation with Local Leaders: Hold monthly meetings with local representatives to understand evolving needs, monitor progress, and adapt plans based on local feedback.

b) Transformative Contributions for Village Development

With a comprehensive plan and sustained government support, Tumakbasti could be developed into a well-serviced border village:

• Long-Term Healthcare Infrastructure: Work towards establishing a permanent Primary Health Center (PHC) within the village, equipped with basic emergency facilities and regular healthcare staff, possibly under the Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centers initiative.
• Road and Transport Connectivity: Advocate for road-building projects under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), aiming to connect Tumakbasti to the nearest Indian town, improving access to supplies, healthcare, and administrative services.
• Sustainable Water and Sanitation Facilities: Collaborate with the Jal Jeevan Mission to bring clean drinking water to the village and provide sanitation solutions through the Swachh Bharat Mission.
• Economic Development through Skill Training: Initiate skill development programs under Skill India Mission, tailored to local needs, and encourage small businesses to reduce dependency on cross-border supplies. Promoting agriculture, handicrafts, and micro-enterprises could be transformative.
• Educational Facilities and Digital Access: Work towards establishing a secondary school, providing digital learning tools, and setting up public Wi-Fi facilities to improve access to education and awareness about health, legal rights, and government schemes.

c) Managing Security and Border Sensitivity

Ensuring security in a border area like Tumakbasti requires a balance between community access and vigilance:

• Strengthen Border Surveillance: Collaborate with the Border Security Force (BSF) to improve surveillance along the border through mobile patrolling and strategic use of technology like drones or CCTV, especially in areas with high traffic.
• Regular Community Engagement on Security: Establish an open communication channel with the residents of Tumakbasti, educating them on border regulations, potential security threats, and the importance of reporting suspicious activities.
• Cross-Border Communication and Coordination: Work with district-level authorities in Bangladesh to establish regular communication on cross-border issues, enabling efficient handling of emergencies without excessive delays.
• Awareness Drives on Illegal Activities: Conduct community awareness programs to educate residents on the legal implications of activities like smuggling and ensure local cooperation in preventing these issues.

By addressing infrastructure gaps, fostering community development, and implementing security measures, Tumakbasti could evolve into a more resilient, self-sufficient, and secure border village.

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